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DVD about the Building of the Wooden Boat 'Charlotte' Now Available

The long-awaited moment has arrived: "Charlotte" debuts on DVD today! The film is available at CharlotteTheFilm.com and participating independent bookstores and maritime museums.

"Catch hold of the passion for craftsmanship – and the craft – that emerge with such grace from this yard. If you care even a little about such things, you cannot be unmoved by the portrait this lovely film paints." — Jon Wilson, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, WoodenBoat magazine.

"If you are a boatbuilder, love a boatbuilder or ever dreamed of being a boatbuilder, the beautifully filmed and absolutely authentic documentary Charlotte takes you inside the boatshop, into the bay, through the seasons, travails and bliss of traditional boatbuilding." — Kaci Cronkhite, Director, Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival

BONUS FEATURES:

- Interviews with Nat Benjamin, builder and owner of "Charlotte", Gannon & Benjamin boatwrights, and more.
- Commentary by director Jeffrey Kusama-Hinte and cinematographer Brian Dowley.
- Additional scenes.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:

Copyright: 2011 Antidote International Films, Inc.
Running Time: 1 Hour, 36 Minutes
Picture Format: Widescreen
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Sound: English 5.1

Final Day of J Class Newport Regatta Has Moments of Drama & a Velsheda Win

The final day of the J Class Regatta in Newport, RI, had Velsheda playing for pride and she in fact finished strong to claim her point. It was her only win in the five-race match which Ranger took, four races to one.

The Sunday race started on a downwind leg that immediately cast some drama into the race when Ranger's spinnaker ripped to pieces shortly after being deployed. The crew quickly replaced the 10,000 s.f. sail, but it gave valuable space to Velsheda which she maintained throughout the day.

Ranger bears down on a closing beat at day's end, but could not make up the time.

At the start, the two giant boats jockey for starting line position.

Over the line together, the J Class racers are even for just a moment.

Each boat sent a crew member up the mast to look out over the spinnaker.

A perch not for one afraid of heights.

Ranger's spinnaker suddenly and completely rips across a seam and plummets to the water.

The crew worked quickly to pull the torn sail onto the boat while working up a replacement.

Further down the leg, Velsheda runs by Castle Hill light.

The spinnaker and pole come down on Velsheda in preparation for the beat back to Newport.

Close-up of the Velsheda main and jib.

The Ranger team hops to the spinnaker and pole.

Close-up of Ranger's jib and main.

Ranger tacking as the final leg nears its end.

The winning Ranger team: Earl Williams, professional helmsman, Ranger owner John A. Williams of the New York Yacht Club, and Alastair Tait, Captain.

To the victor, the spoils.

Read all the post in the series on the J Class Regatta:

Off to Newport & the J Class Regatta

Cruise to Newport & J Class Regatta Begins with a Run to (a Quiet) Cuttyhunk

Cruise to Newport/J Class Regatta: Sakonnet's Elegant Clubhouse & Warm Welcome

J Class Regatta at Newport Puts Big Power, Precision and Majesty on Display

Everything Is Big on a J Class Yacht: Crews, Sails, Accessories & Maintenance

In Newport for J Class Regatta, World's Most Beautiful Yachts Compete for Attention

In Newport for J Class Regatta, World's Most Beautiful Yachts Compete for Attention

The visual boating feast in Newport during the recent J Class Regatta was not all about the stunning Js. Row upon row of magnificent vessels were on display, including the world's most expensive sailboat, the Maltese Falcon. Here are some of the beauties we saw. (Click the photo to see the full picture.)

 The owner of the J Class Velsheda, Dutch businessman Ronald de Waal (European retail fashion chain WE), provided on-site hospitality for his crew on his super yacht Bystander.

One of the belles of the ball, the bright-work beauty Sophie.

Close-up of Sophie.

One of several regatta chase boats which originated in the same era as the Js.

From Royal Huisman, Meteor combines the classic lines of the Gloucester schooner with 21st century sail and rig technology.

La Forza del Destino, a 167-foot Swan 77.

Braveheart.

Gracie at her home berth.

Read all the posts in the J Class Regatta series of articles:

Off to Newport & the J Class Regatta

Cruise to Newport & J Class Regatta Begins with a Run to (a Quiet) Cuttyhunk

Cruise to Newport/J Class Regatta: Sakonnet's Elegant Clubhouse & Warm Welcome

J Class Regatta at Newport Puts Big Power, Precision and Majesty on Display

Everything Is Big on a J Class Yacht: Crews, Sails, Accessories & Maintenance

Final Day of J Class Newport Regatta Has Moments of Drama & a Velsheda Win

Everything Is Big on a J Class Yacht: Crews, Sails, Accessories & Maintenance

Just 28 seconds separated the two super yachts, Ranger and Velsheda after the first two days of J Class racing at Newport June 15 and 16, with 3 races still to go. Ranger had eeked out a 1 second win the first day on corrected time, but had more breathing space the next day.

After the conclusion of every race, though, the crews of 35+ men and women on each boat have the large task of putting their mega-yacht to bed for the night. As these photos show, large is the operative word with everything from flags to fenders to rigging inspection set upon an amplified stage.

After their 27-second win in the second race, the Ranger crew talks it over.

The fenders for Ranger can match a Mini Cooper in size.

Hauling out 7,500 sq. feet of main and jib requires lifts and lads.

Earl Williams (r), Ranger's professional skipper, and Tom Dodson (l), Velsheda's tactician, answer post-race questions.

Sponsors such as Cox, Corum and livingsocial provide the funds to make the event happen.

Teak Deck Dictum: Abandon offending shoes all those who enter here.

Ranger's sails swing across to the dock.

A staple of closing shop each day is a rigging check.

High above the deck, this Ranger crewman appears comfortable on his swing.

Detail of the Ranger crew uniform.

Velsheda crew is active stem to stern with each a specific duty.

Velsheda's spinaker, 10,000 sq. ft. of sail, fills the length of the dock.

WaterViewHome Network Publisher David Lott shares a moment with Alastair Tait, Ranger's captain.

Read all the posts in the J Class Regatta series:

Off to Newport & the J Class Regatta

Cruise to Newport & J Class Regatta Begins with a Run to (a Quiet) Cuttyhunk

Cruise to Newport/J Class Regatta: Sakonnet's Elegant Clubhouse & Warm Welcome

J Class Regatta at Newport Puts Big Power, Precision and Majesty on Display

In Newport for J Class Regatta, World's Most Beautiful Yachts Compete for Attention

Final Day of J Class Newport Regatta Has Moments of Drama & a Velsheda Win

J Class Association Announces Regatta Series in England 2012--the Olympic Year

Falmouth, Cornwall, England: Site of first 2012 J Class Regatta.

The J Class Association recently announced its plans for a series of spectacular regattas in England during 2012--the Olympic Year. It will be the first time in history that more than four of these imposing yachts will race together in a fleet.

The first regatta will be based in Falmouth, Cornwall, hosted by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club. Races will be held in the bay and along the coastline.

David Pitman said, “The J Class Association chose Falmouth as a UK base for its first 2012 regatta because of the great deep water bay, onshore support services and support from an experienced local Club--the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club. The waters around the bay offer the opportunity of great courses for both the competitors and spectators, who can view from the many headlands.

“Spectators in Falmouth will be the first in the UK to view this wonderful fleet. Around eight J Class yachts, each 140 feet in length, weighing around 200 tons and with a crew of up to thirty are expecting to be ready and prepared for racing in June 2012.

"Enthusiasts from around the world will be coming to Falmouth to view the yachts and watch the racing, which will be reported live around the world. This will be a yachting event not to be missed!”

U.S. fans of the J Class can get a preview of the exciting action next month at the J Class Regatta in Newport, RI, June 15-19.

'Hope,' Rozinante-Style Light Cruiser Now for Sale at a 15% Reduction for $59,000

"Hope" under sail.

"Hope"
Tern Class ‘Rozinante’ Style 28’ Yawl
Sale Price: $69,900  Now $59,000
Designer/Builder: Gannon & Benjamin, Vineyard Haven, MA
Location: Classic Boat Shop, BERNARD, MAINE

The selling price for “HOPE,” one of four Gannon & Benjamin Yawls adapted by Nat Benjamin from the famous Rozinante by L.F. Herreshoff, has come down 15% from $69,900 to $59,000. (View a Herreshoff-built Roziante sail boat here.) For more photos and details, see previous post here.

Sunset profile.

Three J Class Yachts Commit to Compete in Newport J Class Regatta June 15 -19

Shamrock V: Original J Class yacht coming to Newport.

Three J Class yachts--RANGER, VELSHEDA  and SHAMROCK V--have announced that they will compete in the J Class Regatta in Newport next month. The event for these massive, classic yachts, will be the first competitive J Class regatta for three yachts in the USA since the America's Cup event of 1937 between the Defender Ranger and the Challenger Endeavour II.

The J Class Association will manage the US-based event, where the yachts will be based from Newport Shipyard. Courses will be set from the point at Fort Adams and held around the inner bay, allowing for shoreline spectators to benefit from this first event to be sailed under JCA rules.

The J Class Newport Regatta is the first of a series of global J Class events which will cultimate in the Hundred Guinea Cup race in Cowes on the Isle of Wight in 2012.

The J Class yachts under sail are a sight not to be missed. No other class requires a crew of 30-plus experienced sailors to manage more than 10,000 square feet of sail driving a 200-ton hull at 16 knots around the course.

Newport was the venue for the start of the remarkable J Class era which began in 1930. Over the next seven years just 10 of these stunning yachts constructed for the purpose of winning the America’s Cup. Shamrock V and Velsheda--two of the original 10 yachts--will participate in Newport, together with Ranger, a true replica of the original. Negotiations to bring the other new J yachts to Newport are continuing.

Sail Newport and the J Class Association are responsible for the on water race management of the regatta. The yachts and their teams will be based at the Newport Shipyard with crews staying at the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina.

The regatta series of five races will run from June 15th to 19th, 2011 with starts and finishes off of Fort Adams. Viewing stands will be set up on the Northwestern corner of Fort Adams and other excellent viewing options will be at Castle Hill Inn and various spots in Jamestown. Working with the US Coast Guard, Sail Newport will establish safe water viewing areas along the entire course. For more information about the event, go to the J Class Regatta website.

Race Programme
Wednesday 15th June : Race 1 Start 11.00
Thursday 16th June : Race 2 Start 11.00
Friday 17th June : Race 3 Start 11.00
Saturday 18th June : Race 4 Start 11.00
Sunday 19th June : Race 5 Start 11.00

Price Drop--Again! Phoenix, a 64' S&S Commuter Yacht, Is Yours for 30% Off

Phoenix in her glory days in the 1930s.

    * Boat Name: Phoenix
    * Year: 1937
    * Current Price: US $250,000  $199,000 Now $175,000
    * Located in Boothbay Harbor, ME
    * Hull Material: Wood
    * Engine/Fuel Type: Twin diesel
    * YW# 1877-2212250

The price of Phoenix, a 64' Sparkman & Stephens commuter yacht built in 1937, has undergone another price drop. The classic is now being offered for $175,000--30 percent less than its original asking price of $250,000. The price was first lowered 20 percent just a week after it went on the market in March and has now been reduced by another 10 percent.

Still looking good.

Phoenix has been trucked across country to a well respected boatyard that specializes in classic yachts on the coast of Maine where she awaits her next owner and the restoration that will give this unique piece of yachting history a new life. The most recent price reduction indicates the current owners desire to sell the boat immediately.  All reasonable offers are encouraged.

Gold-Plated History
The Consolidated Shipbuilding of New York City built some of the most famous commuter yachts of the 1920s and '30s. These sleek, swift yet elegant vessels were the preferred method of transportation to and from the financial district of Manhattan for the Wall Street magnates and industrialists that resided in the Connecticut and Long Island suburbs. Sparkman & Stephens collaborated with Consolidated on a number of famous Commuters. Phoenix was designed and built for E.E. Dickenson Jr. in 1937.

On a run.

However, this is the very last available Sparkman & Stephens commuter in existence. This additional price reduction underscores the owners's desire to move the boat. 

Some TLC is in order.

Phoenix represents an opportunity for a new owner to put her through restoration and own a historically significant commuter. A partial trade would be considered, such as a 28'-35' Down East style lobster yacht or similar. This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of yachting history.

For more information, contact Central Agent - Jeff Grey,  Office: 401-847-5449, Cell: 774-454-7638

Center for Wooden Boats: A Place for Lovers of Classic Boats & Beauty of Wood

For Sale at CWB: 30' Hong Kong Offshore Teak Sloop.

One of our favorite website is the Center for Wooden Boats. It is located on the other side of the world in Seattle from us here in CT, but we love to check out the website for its boats for sale to dream a little. One beauty that it has had for sale for a while is a 30' Hong Kong Offshore Teak Sloop.

A 1964 traditional teak sloop built in Hong Kong and designed by Wirth Monroe, it was built by Robin Fung. It comes fully rigged with covers, a Yanmar 15hp diesel and roller furling. It sleeps 4, and with 6' 6" headroom gives your taller crew a confortable sense of space.

It is als equipped with Monel water and fuel tanks, SS holding tank. The hull was newly painted in in May 2010 and will the envy of your friends--a classic beauty. What's not to like for just $10,500?

Sparkman & Stephens Offers Abeking & Rasmussen Rhodes 27 for $150,000

40' Abeking & Rasmussen Rhodes 27 now for sale for $150,000.

    * Year: 1955
    * Current Price: US$ 150,000
    * Located In Mattapoisett, MA
    * Hull Material: Wood
    * Engine/Fuel Type: Single diesel
    * YW# 1877-2300999

Looking handsome at the wheel.

Sparkman & Stephens was recently appointed as central agents for the "Adventuress," a 1955 40' Abeking & Rasmussen-built Rhodes 27 Sloop.

Galley.

Accommodations
From forward, a chain locker, V-berth, head port with lockers opposite, main salon with 2 berths, galley aft.  Galley equipment includes a 2-burner Origo 3000 alcohol stove, icebox, stainless sink. The ventilation through deck hatches and opening ports is very good.  Cabin soles are teak and holly, joiner work is mahogany. 

For more information, Contact Central Agent - Jeff Grey Cell: 774-454-7638, email.