Building the 18′ Noank Sloop

This is a two-week course ending Friday

This is a new class being offered for experienced students.

Walt and Matt will begin the build of this iconic working sloop in the first session.

During week 1, the hull components will be built and or completed: consisting of molds, stem, transom, and laminated keel. The second week will focus on set up for strip planking the hull skin in the traditional manner using single thickness cedar strips, bronze ring nails and glue. The assembly will be on a simple platform so that the project can be continued the next year depending on progress. There is a parallel opportunity in the class to build parts for the sloop such as laminated frames, spars, centerboard trunk and rudder.

This design is based on the small lobster sloops that fished the exposed waters of Eastern Connecticut before marine engines became practical. The distinctive gaff sloop rig works well in light summer winds and can be reefed easily. The plumb stem and gently curved bowsprit, springy sheer and heart shape transom all prove that the old- time Noank fishermen built and valued pretty boats.

The new design could be easily trailer sailed with the shoal keel centerboard configuration which was a Noank favorite. There is room in this design for an electric drive in flat calm conditions, and, if a builder so desired, the traditional flooded lobster well could be added to keep beverages cool.