Customer Reviews

Dorothy Elizabeth: Building a Traditional Wooden Schooner

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This book is not just another boatbuilding book. Though it does cronicle the building of Dorthy Elizabeth a 28 ft. schooner. It starts with refurbishing there Friendship sloop, then giving it away to there son, with the idea of aquiring a boat with an easier to handle sail plan. At age 80, Roger and Mary Duncan decide to have a famous Maine boatuilder, design and build a 28ft. bare hull schooner for them. They would take on much of the rigging and finish work themselves! Building is interupted by the "crash", a major obsticle. Then a time of reflection and taking stock. The Duncans regroup, and with the help of a very supportive family, and loyal friends and neighbors, they go forward. You learn about the traditional boatbuilding and all that it entails. And, along the way you will be exposed to interesting philosophy, and superb poetry.(The Day The Dam Broke is perfection!!) As the book nears the end you can appreciate what has been accomplished, the style and grace in which the Duncans overcame obsticles, the community spirit, the genuine care and concern. A valueable story of success by hard work, taking a risk, creativity, courage in the face of adversity, and people pitching in to help one another. You will find yourself pondering, maybe uncomfortably, weather you would have the strength and courage to do what they did. And with such character and dignity. Have your kids read this too. There's much to be learned for all.

This book is not a "How To Build a Schooner" book; it is the story of getting a schooner built. There are, however, many good pictures and drawings that give insight to how a schooner is constructed and rigged. Well worth the price I paid.