Old and ... closer-to-new.

[khiemtran]

Thursday night and I got to sail alongside a classic Heron...




Here's the Heron next the Pacer I used, just before we launched. They were both designed by Jack Holt (perhaps most famous for the Mirror). The Pacer's design is actually not that much newer than the Heron;s, it's just that the school's boats are modern fibreglass versions using the old pattern, while the Heron was probably built in the sixties.



Out on the water. My Pacer was a good deal faster, but the wooden boat certainly won a few style points. Even a pair of jetskiers stopped by for a look. A great evening for a sail.



Back on the beach. You can just see the Heron coming in towards shore in the background.

Comments

[carl-allery.livejournal.com]

Lovely varnished hull. So many wooden-hulled boats are painted, but it's nice to see the grain and colour glowing in the sun. Looks like a great day for being on the water.

[khiemtran.livejournal.com]

It was, and it was a gorgeous boat. The previous owner had apparently been a racer, because there was just about every control and adjustment you could imagine. On the other hand, there didn't seem to be any obvious (to us) place to secure the main halyard.

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

I agree; the natural color is lovely and warm.

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

The wood really is pretty to see, but I guess fiberglass is just lighter, stronger, and longer lasting?