Anthony Steward Around Alone in an Open Boat

More than 20 years ago Anthony Steward sailed around the world on a tiny open boat. He took the mould plug from my TLC 19 trailer-sailer and turned it into a boat to circum-navigate the world. Nobody had done it before him and nobody has done it since.

Ant Stewards little boat shipwrecked in the Seychelles

Anthony has always been very modest about his achievement and has done very little to publicise it. Most of the publicity that it has received has been through articles that I have written for magazines, the article on my website and his chapter in my book "Shaped by Wind & Wave".

I am pleased to see that this has now changed. A video that was made 20 years ago, documenting his voyage, is now on YouTube. It is worth the 30 minutes to watch it, to understand just how tough this voyage was.

Anthony modified my little boat extensively to serve the purpose that he needed. We have many designs to take you more comfortably around the world or just to take you across your local pond. Please visit http://dixdesign.com/.

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A Front Deck and Photos of an Adorable Puppy

First off, now that the boat is upright, I made Hazel a ramp so she can go in and out of the boat while Im working.

Next, I put the front deck on.  There are probably things I need to do under there that would be easier without the deck, but my excitement trumps good planning. I know I still need to bolt in the motor well/mount, so the back deck stays off for now.

If you are following this blog, youve read through the stressful process of using epoxy resin to adhere the boat members together, so Ill skip the narrative blow by blow. Just remember, dealing with epoxy is like defusing a ticking time bomb.

So having our first deck on the boat allows Hazel and I to enjoy a much deserved sunny lay-about.

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An Arctic Tern in Florida

Doesnt seem very likely, does it?

Of course we are talking, once again, about the pretty little double-ender from the pen of Iain Oughtred.

Tim Haney, from St Augustine, Florida, who describes himself variously as a professional boat carpenter and a dyed-in-the-wool boat nut, sent me some photos of a beautiful Tern he built last winter.

"Hi Doryman,
Here are some pictures of my Arctic Tern sailing on Salt Run in St.Augustine a couple of weeks ago. I can’t say enough good things about it. The plans are excellent and if followed closely you can’t go wrong . A long boat is no more difficult than a short one to build and the difference in cost is minimal, however, the rewards are huge."

"I finished the Arctic Tern last February, so have had plenty of time to learn the boat. Its pretty much a solo
rig which is fine because thats how it seems I do most of my sailing. The sail is also made in my shop. Im proud of my first effort."

"The cloth came from Duckworks and I consulted The Sailmakers Apprentice."

Tim is interested in networking with local sailors and we wish him luck with that.

He has one last word of advice for those who have dreamed of building their own boat...

"If any of you are sitting on the fence, all I can say is get going and make some sawdust."


"See you on the water!"
 Tim Haney


Could happen... its cold, wet and drear here in the Pacific Northwest right now and all that warm sun looks really good!
Maybe Tim would let me sail his new boat..........

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