Yes, were still here.

Ahoy friends,

We have been off the web for a bit to let us focus on some administrative and fund raising needs. Rest assured loyal followers, we're still making great progress on Luna, our 18th century Bermuda Sloop is still under construction.

We would like to thank our sister organization, Blackbeard's Crew for their recent contribution to the construction fund. The crew graciously sets aside 10% of their event profits to the construction fund.

Our first corporate fundraiser/ meet and greet, held at Half Moone Terminal was a success. We signed on over a dozen new members and had just as many renew. We welcome The Port of Virginia and Principle Advantage, Ltd as corporate donors as well. Thank you to Ann and Angie for coordinating the efforts.

One of the changes that you will soon find is a new look to our web site. While the original site was great for our immediate needs, it is three years old and well, just time for a face lift. The blog will follow suit. One change that you will not see is a  new membership database. We had been using an Excel spreadsheet but with our growing numbers it became an albatross to use. The new program will allow multiple users to access information in real time as opposed to e-mailing updates back and forth. Thanks to Pern, our IT guru for making these happen. Just as importantly, thank you to Grace for maintaining and putting up with the old system for three years.

The wood stove was fired up last week,frost is on the ground, work crews are heading for the coffee pot before saying hello, that can only mean one thing.  SOUP AND STEW SEASON IS HERE!!! In the winter months we take turns making lunch to heat on top of the stove. There is nothing quite like coming into the barn and smelling lunch cooking on the wood stove. Last week was clam chowder. I have next weeks lunch.

Now onto the construction!

Stans turn in the bilge. If you review our past blogs you know we have been replacing frames. On top of the frames, running the entire length of the boat are pieces of wood that keep Luna's frames from racking, or twisting out of shape. These pieces of wood, called clamps, are in turn bolted to each frame. Here Stan drills and lags five inch long bolts into the clamps and frames.

The aft bulkhead is almost there! In its final position and trimmed to fit the hull like a glove, it is wedged into place between a frame behind it and the deck beam in front- which is what is seen here. The bulkhead is three sheets of marine grade plywood spliced side by side together. They will next be glued and bolted together. the beams will be removed and then the bulkhead will be fiberglassed in place.

The shipwright clamps the plywood for final fitting to the deck beam on top of the aft cabin. One thing that has happened with the installation of the bulkhead is realizing just how small our big girl really is. Once she is sectioned off with her bulkheads, the vast empty hull becomes much smaller.  Unfortunately, the remaining pictures did not download. SO............ we will leave you with a teaser for next week! The aft cabin from the inside.....