Where are they now?

[Joesaila]

I figure w all the people who visit here, someone might be able to satisfy my curiosity....
Over 10 years ago there was a fascinating local newspaper story of a fellow who built a sailboat in his yard. [S.E. Massachusetts area] He took a long time and did it right. In the stern section he built a workshop and was going to use it to produce custom made weathervanes to help finance his world travel while aboard. [he actually had a long list of clients before embarking] Before retiring he flew a spotter plane for tuna fisherman in the Cape Cod bay area. Sounds like a great life...It would be nice to find out how its going today and where he is. Wouldn't it be great if he were a regular here on sailnet.

[midnightsailor]

I believe you are thinking about Bob Kingsland , who built a 50 foot steel Ted Brewer design from scratch , by himself. It took him about 30 years If I am not mistaken. I had some corespondence recently with him, just after he launched her. He, actually his daughter, has put together a terriffic website documenting the entire project, from beginning to end. It is a very inspirational read. I don't have the link handy, but just look up SV Restless and you will easily find it. Rick

[MorganPaul]

Bob Kingsland is a member of Cruisers Forum.

His screen name is bob kingsland.

[bob77903]

Here ya go....S/V Restless

[steelboat]

Actually I'm a member here, too, I just don't post much anywhere.

Glad to know that people are still wondering what's been happening. And actually, Joesaila, I think that first article in the Globe was a good bit more than 10 years ago. , but you remembered most of the details.

We're still plugging along, with the boat in the water and functioning (during the season) but I'm still finishing up the last of the interior projects. The big thing this winter is a laid teak and holly sole.

We've been living with a 3/4" marine fir ply sub floor, with 2 coats of west on it; this is now going over that. I'm making patterns in the boat, then transferring the patterns to 1/8" okoume, and epoxying the teak and holly to the oukoume, all in the shop on the bench... it's good winter work, but an awful lot of small pieces... like over 200 in what's visible in the picture. Have the forward and aft cabin done, just finished the pilot house today, and am starting to pattern the galley and salon, the only areas left. I'll put half a dozen or so coats of varnish on in the shop, then epoxy the finished panels into the boat in the spring and do a few finish coats of varnish then, as needed.

Soundings just did an article on the boat; see here: Building a boat upon a dream

Thanks for asking.

Best, Bob S/V Restless

[Joesaila]

Nice to find out so quickly! I figured you'd be in the So. Pacific or the Med. but its nice to see you still pursuing the dream. And I look forward to 'the rest of the story'.

[Silverstreak01]

30 years building a boat, thats unbelievable. Better man than me.