How Fogo Islanders secured the future of their traditional punt

‘As the winning teams take the podium, bowing their heads to receive a wooden medallion Aidan carved from Fogo Island wood in his shop, it seems there are multiple reasons for Fogo Islanders to cheer. After four years, the inn is turning a profit; cod, the very foundation of this place, appears to be recovering; Shorefast initiatives are building palpable optimism and have put Fogo Island in the international spotlight. And punt culture is safe home for another day.’

Smacks and sailing barges have benefited mightily from something similar – but there might be some useful ideas for admirers of some other types of traditional craft here…

Article:  The race that saved the Fogo Island punt.

Willow of Harty, Cygnet with her sails blazing with light… and the Red Sands Fort

Spotted in the Swale this weekend: the Baltic ketch Willow of Harty (sorry, Google couldn’t find much about her online) and the beautiful yawl Cygnet of London, which was built in 1906 Burgoyne brothers of Kingston on Thames.

And a shot of the Red Sands fort as I romped past in a F4 and blazing sunshine. As so often there were nearly no other boats around at this time of year.

A video about caulking skills by Tom Cunliffe in Denmark

Tom asked if I’d like to post this video about caulking from his latest series of videologues – and of course I’m delighted to do so!

I particularly take his point about the skill involved in caulking and traditional boat building generally. Folks caulking upwards from under a hull have long had my particular admiration…