Simon Watts, an old pal and famous guy in traditional boatbuilding, surfaced in Berkeley the other day, and I paid him a visit. He's working on yet another boat, and will turn 80 this year. I have always found him to be an inspiration--and thought I'd share. That's Simon in front, and the shop owner in the back. The lapstrake boat shown is set for launch in Petaluma 4/5/09 at the wooden boat festival. Oh, and that's solid, clear, Sitka spruce on the hull: lovely stuff worthy of guitars and violins. Too much fun.

Do not go gently . . . .

--S