My friend Jim was good enough to pass on a great project this spring. He'd spent a few months restoring this Sam Devlin designed Egret and decided he wasn't really a sailor and wanted to concentrate on his rowing boats.
Which makes me the lucky one! Jim has generously donated this Egret to the Doryman boatyard. He has completed most of the hull repairs and left me the finish work.
Sam apparently built this particular boat about thirty years ago. His trademark "stitch and glue" style is in effect and this boat is a testament to the durability of that method. Sam says this was his first design and remains one of the most popular designs he sells today.
Sam says this about his Egret:
"As a sailboat, the Egret is stable and quick. Up to four adults with gear can enjoy a day of sailing in comfort. The 75 sq. ft. spirit sail rig provides plenty of sail area to drive the hull. Though the Egret has double rowing stations, it is easily rowed by a single oarsman. For two oarsmen, the Egret is great fun and good transportation."
"An offset outboard well is offered, and we have found it to have no vices in handling. Egret was my first design and she now has sisters a-plenty. For a variety of uses and conditions, Egret has a lot to offer."
Length 15' 2"
Beam 4' 10"
Draft 7" (board up) 4' 2" (board down)
Weight 235 lbs
Sail area 75 sq ft
Max. Load 690 lbs
What a great daysailer for protected waters such as the many lakes found here in Oregon! Light enough to tow behind a small car, the Egret could provide many hours of easy sailing and effortless handling in the summer sun.
She currently has no centerboard but a deep, full length keel. I will probably add a centerboard trunk and a drop board to improve windward performance.
There is an articulating rudder out in the shop that will work nicely on a boat this size. Jim's gift included a mast and a balanced lug sail, so all I have to do is make up a yard and a boom. I hope Sam doesn't object to this small design change!
I intend to complete this Egret with a small foredeck and side decks wide enough to sit on.
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