It was after a discussion with a friend about potentially building a boat, I realised what I really admired were the type of sleek lines found in the golden age, art deco, classic day racing sailboats.

Boats like The Dark Harbour, and Camden classic.

All of the great designers drew their own versions;

John Alden
Philip Rhodes and Francis Herreshoff

I had also realised very quickly, building this kind of boat would be well beyond the skill level of a novice like me even as an aid in a partnership.
Then, out of nowhere this boat shows up.

Even from the street as I walked up the driveway I could see the rake of the bow and began to see the lines of a true thoroughbred.

Now for the bad news. Both hatches were rotten and falling apart. the cockpit and cabin sole were missing, the cabin roof was punky and soft especially around the mast partners, the mast was delaminating and the boat looked as though it was attacked by a machine gun, the signs of a refastening job not quite finished. The liberal sprinkling of moss and presents left behind by racoons who had called the boat home, were not too appetizing either.

Perhaps it was foolhardiness or perhaps the encouragement from a friend but a few days later the boat was on a trailer and on its way.

cabin roof

The first real view of her lines in profile.

Once cleaned up a little on the inside it became clear that the hull was in excellent condition, two or three planks had been replaced, the rest were original and sound. After careful inspection of the ribs only one tiny crack was found.

This is Alvin Mason's version of the day racing classic, he named the design "Manana The Boat For Tomorrow"

Designed in 1933 it was cutting edge technology and one of the few boats to have the new style Bermudan or Marconi rig.