Doug Smith

UPDATE #1 Started by planking the main deck. Using 6cm planks with an offset by 2cm. Caulking using .6mm black thread. First hull plank laid up on both port and starboard sides.

I think the kit is about 15 to 20 years old. I got it from a guy who had it in his collection but never started it.

IT FINALLY ARRIVED! Starting right Now😀 Confirmed everything is there, sorted and bundled the lumber, drooled over all the brass and started the skeleton.

Almost finished! Just a few remaining details and she's done.

Thanks Trevor! Had not thought of that. I'm also leaning towards leaving the fore gaff topsail and fisherman's staysail off so it would show less cluttered. I'm not a fan of how they look struck.

Mounting sails now starting with the jib topsail, jib and jumbo sail. I've got the foresail on but haven't attached the mast hoops yet. Sitting here staring at the ship I'm undecided whether to strike and flake it like the front three or leave it hoisted. While likely not technically correct, I'm wondering if I should leave it and the rest of sails up. Opinions would be welcome.

I'm a 73 year old mariner living on a boat with my wife of 52 years. We live on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada . My first build is the Billing Boats, Bluenose I. I was given this model by a friend who purchased it 25 years ago. I've had it about 3 months and am just at the rigging stage with over 400 hours into it. My friend threw me a curve ball by not bedding the hull planks to one another. I didn't realize this until I started fairing the hull. 200 hours later I finally lost my patience with this problem and scarfed in replacement planks (about half the hull). Irrespective of the many hours and frustation this model has caused I am completely hooked, line and sinker, to this new hobby. I have subscribed to a number of YouTube channels and enjoyed well over 200 hours watching everything I can find on the subject, I'm also notorious for doing an absurd amount of research. I've already chosen my next build which I should have in a month or so....... Sergal's Sovereign of the Seas Yup, I know it's ambitious but I have always set high standards and lofty goals for myself. I've challenged myself as I believe if you don't there is no growth or feelings of accomplishment. I'm sure many of you have done this by stepping outside your comfort level and I have only one question for you..... "How'd it make you feel?" Am I nervous? Youbetchya! Am I gonna make mistakes? YEP! I'll be turning to you for help, suggestions and answers. That's what drew me to this forum.