BUILDING THE SOMES SOUND 12-1/2

Construct the glued-lapstrake version of the popular Haven 12-1/2.

Over the years, many students who have taken John Brooks’s GLUED LAPSTRAKE PLYWOOD CONSTRUCTION and FINISHING OUT SMALL BOATS courses have encouraged us to design another course with this very knowledgeable builder and talented designer. Many of you have also requested that he draw up a glued-lapstrake version of Joel White’s popular Haven 12-1/2 daysailer, telling him that it would be the ideal method for you to build this lovely and delightful boat. In the past, the Haven 12-1/2 has been built using either the traditional plank-on-frame or modern cold-molded methods of construction.

We are excited to offer this two-week course starting the construction of John’s version of this beautiful boat, a design he drew in 2001 and named the Somes Sound 12-1/2. The goal of this course is to step back from the methods and details of glued-lapstrake and small-boat work to show you how to tackle a whole boatbuilding project—how to plan and organize it, then go to it, using the skills you have learned in other courses and on your own projects. John will start with a refresher on his system of parts making, then quickly have students working with his methods and jigs to make most of the many components for this complex and intriguing boat. We’ll be building five sections of the boat: the hull, the decks, the interior, the “outbone,” and the spars and rigging.

Several days will be spent making parts, and then the construction jig and backbone will be assembled, floors and sheer clamps will be glued on the jig, and the actual planking process will begin. Meanwhile, the centerboard trunk, rudder and tiller, bulkheads with doors, seats, and coamings will be constructed and prepared for installation when the time comes. With a crew experienced with glued-lapstrake construction, planking should proceed smoothly with everyone getting a chance to participate. After the planking is completed, the hull will be turned over and work on the interior will begin.

We’ll get as far as we can during this initial two-week session and then finish the boat in 2009. Finishing up decks, coamings, rails, sole, trim hardware, attachment of the lead keel, and setting up the rig will keep everyone busy for another two weeks next season.

Come join us for a thoroughly engaging and productive couple of weeks to see this exciting boat grow before your very eyes. This promises to be a challenging and rewarding class for experienced students, particularly those who have participated in John’s other courses over the years. For anyone contemplating building a more complex design, this course should provide plenty of insight into all that goes into such an endeavor. Plans for the Somes Sound 12-1/2 with full-sized patterns will be offered by John at a discount to his students.

Tuition: $1100 two-week course

Note: Eligible students should be alumni of one of John’s previous courses or have prior boatbuilding experience.

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