whiskey plank- n. the board which completes construction of a ship’s or boat’s hull.

Ben has the honors of cutting and fastening
the last board- the Whiskey Plank as Adam
looks on after fastening his just below.
Way to go gang!

Two milestones were reached this past week!

 First- Ben is out of the boat which can only mean one thing. The last of the frames have been completed. This has been a major focus since the beginning of the project. We still have several frames up for adoption. $300 will pay for a frames material and provide a plaque with your name or dedication on it placed inside Luna for permanent display.

Second- With the completion of the last couple of frames we were able to place the last two planks on Luna's reshaped  hull. In wooden ship construction this milestone last board is called the Whiskey Plank. Tradition goes that a shot or ten of whiskey is partaken and work subsequently stops for the day. Not for us, a resounding HUZZAH! was heard and work continued. This completes her new quarter deck hull exterior. The next step is the remaining deck beams and deck itself.

Mat was back aboard working on the transom window frames. He has quite a task as he levels the window sill and follows the contour of the transom. Some people have skills and don't even know it, or in some cases keep it hidden until that special project calls them.

Amber is back to work on the upper mast. A couple of tiny sections were identified as having rot so they were cleaned out and soaked with a penetrating epoxy which will reinforce the area making it as good as new. After this weekend, the upper is ready for its coating of pinetar, turpentine, and linseed oil which will waterproof and preserve it.

Reggie has a much larger problem with his project. This mast is going to be used as a training model. Learning how to handle a squaresail and upper rig sixty feet above the ground is a bit daunting. We are making a scaled down mock up of the rig to be used at ground level from donated and salvaged pieces. This mast has seen better days as it is around 100 years old and last saw use as a flag pole. Its time in the sun has left long splits along the grain of the wood which must be cleaned out and filled with epoxy to regain its strength. Our intent is to have the model accompany Luna and be set up shore side where visitors can have some hands on experience up close and personal rather than from afar.

On the road again. Mat goes over the trailer one more time getting ready for Bay Days in Hampton next weekend. The last project of the day was to pack up the Custom House and educational programs. We will be in two locations at Bay Days, on the waterfront with the Custom House and in the education area. Please stop by and say hello!