In April last year we visited George Waite, in the UK, who is building a St Pierre et Miquelon dory.
George is a semi-retired ex-Naval Architect turned bridge engineer and the boat that he is building is 21ft LOA and barely fits in his garden. A recent inquiry about his project from a faithful reader prompted me to contact George to see how he is getting along.
Of course, the UK is experiencing one of the most violent winters in memory, so when I reached George he was sitting comfortably inside,sipping arrak with a visiting Turkish friend, while force 9 winds roared outside.
Wise man.
George assures me that he has managed to get some work done despite the weather. He feels he should be finished around August. He kindly sent me a photo in aerial view (taken from the roof?!) that shows him making up quick release battery cable connectors for removing the battery for regular storage/recharge and also installing the through-hull exhaust fitting for the 30 hp Yanmar diesel inboard.
He has completed most of the hull planking since our last visit but has cleverly left out a panel for easier access while installing the engine and accompanying systems.
His front garden looks a lot like a boatyard!
We wish George luck and hope to see his creation on the water next summer.
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