New Projects
The Cape Færing
A totally traditional workboat.
Specifications:
Carry two men on a day’s fishing trip and return with 250lbs of fish.
This, in safety, through surf as experienced on the cape’s coastline
The craft to be powered by two sails and two sets of oars.
Can be easily launched, by two men, and recovered, off beaches.
To find out what had been designed elsewhere we did some research through classic and traditional boats of this size through libraries, magazines and the www.
Not surprisingly, we found that the cape conditions where most similar to those found in Nordic countries and that in turn led to the traditional fishing boat designs used by fishermen in those realms.
But the design did not stay there. Similar designs popped up most of the Baltic countries, Scotland, England, Ireland, Nova Scotia and North America. The name of the craft changed too, ranging from Skerry & Wherry, to Dory and Ewe.
Færing was the name given to the earliest boat of this type that we could find. It seems that the original multi-planked hull of this design was built in Norway.
Hence our NORDICFæring project.
Through the building of the ACTIVE 15 there were many who expressed the desire to build in wood.
A romantic notion? Yes! But fun.
The Cape Færing offers a simpler construction process than did the ACTIVE 15, and on completion leisure boat to sail at the end of it. Go fishing under sail; on estuary, dam or bay. We will certainly be doing some crayfishing from our build.
Camping will also be an option. A foldaway cuddy will provide adequate protection and the hull is wide enough to allow for two sleeping bags in the cockpit, beached or at mooring.
The yawl lugger rig offers balance and two centreboard positions enable the boat to be sailed with one or two sails. Spars are light enough to be easily handed and stowed in the cockpit.
First build will be completed during the first half of 2006.
