We have finished the Handliner, and are ready for launch day next week! Come take part in the festivities on June 20, 2026, with launch planned for noon, followed by a bbq.
The last few months have seen a ton of work being done, with gunwales, decks, coamings, seat risers, and thwarts.
After that came smoothing the planking, and doing all the caulking/corking. Everyone got a chance to try their hand with the quirky caulking hammer and irons.
Finally it was time for painting, starting with grey primer, green interior and sheer strake, white topsides, and finishing today with black antifouling bottom paint. She’s looking amazing!
Meanwhile, the floorboards were built and the oars glued up and shaped (mostly) – the oars won’t quite be ready for launch day, so we’ll have to press some of our other oars into service.
We were delighted recently by a visit from Alison, one of our club’s founders! She now lives a bit too far away for regular attendance, but has made the trip a couple of times, and is planning to come for launch. She is working on building the sailing rig for her boat which started the whole club, and brought her plans for discussion. It has been wonderful to hear the stories from the early days, and to show her what has become of the organization!
Recently, Arnt built and installed a bench to commemorate Sheila, one of our wharfingers who passed away 5 years ago. She and her husband Bruce lived aboard North Star of Herschel Island, and when that vessel was undergoing a rebuild, Arnt salvaged some of the copper sheathing that protected the hull. A piece of that became the plaque that now dedicates the bench to her memory. It’s a beautiful tribute to her legacy.
Check it out next week when you come for the launch day!
Oarlock & Sail Wooden Boat Club 