Photo courtesy Chris Perkins
WoodenBoat’s Boatbuilding & Rowing Challenge [BARC] is a grassroots effort which could be emulated around the world. It’s an endeavor to involve communities and, in our specific case, high school programs, in the team-building aspects of boatbuilding and then competitively rowing one specific boat: Iain Oughtred’s 22′, 330 pound St. Ayles Skiff, with a crew of four rowers and one helmsperson (coxswain).
Using Alec Jordan’s (Jordan Boats in the UK) CNC’s files and his cooperative agreement with Hewes & Company in Blue Hill, Maine, the St. Ayles Skiff is now available as a kit, which facilitates the boatbuilding process.
Designer Iain Oughtred was our guest here in Brooklin in June and July 2010, and we spoke at great length about the feasibility of adapting the Scottish Coastal Rowing Project goals to our needs.
“Our needs” are simple in this particular regard. We’re in risk of becoming a civilization or a culture that is losing all touch with hands-on ability or talent. Or training. Our school woodshop classes are falling by the wayside, beset by budget cuts or reallocations of funds to other programs. Hopefully, BARC can be one way to remedy this situation.
You needn’t live in eastern Maine to develop your own program. If you are starting a similar program, please let us know by posting a comment here.
