As I reflect on what got me to the point of being ready to set off on this journey I realized there were many influencers and helpers along the way and I want to hold some of those up.   Some are people, some are resources and some are ideas.   I will try to begin at the beginning and talk about the people in my life that have inspired and instructed.

 

Getting some sails ready

My Father, Garnet Phinney:   From the very begining he was there pointing me in the right direction and providing instruction and experience around sailing, boat building and maintenance.   He very much gave me the understanding that if you want it, you can have it, but you might have to do it yourself!   He also introduced me to many people along the way who could help.

 

 

 

 

Me Dad and Bill putting in the deck beams for the Merry Major. This was the first of three winters rebuilding her.
Some of the finer techniques of boat building

Bill Fearnhead: my fathers best friend and never very far away.   Many of the instruct-able moments came with Bill.   He was certainly my greatest influencer with respect to electronics and communications, outboard motors and general technical things.

The Rowboat from Beachcrest

My Grandfather, Reg Barbour:  I supposed the first boat I ever saw was this flat bottom rowboat.  He himself had a history of owning, repairing and sailing a number of boats.   One of which we actually bought years later, rebuilt it and sailed it for several years.

Gerry Peer: If anyone knew how to do something right it was Gerry.   He always set the highwater mark for craftsmanship and seamanship.    The fact that he cruised his boat to the Bahamas and build several boats may well be part of the reason that I am doing it and have build several small boats.   These things are doable, and should be done.

The “Bill and Garnet”

Stan Bustin:  One day after spending several hours at Peers Cottage on Kennebecasis Island, we came home and decided to build a boat.    This happened because Andrew had spent all his time rowing a boat back and forth in front of the cottage.   I had not been on the water for years and this moment was an inspiration to get back to it.   After I built the “Bill and Garnet”, and made a sailing rig for her, Stan approached me and said that any time I wanted to I could take his NorthWind “Seadog” out sailing.     I must say with Stan’s encouragement I sailed his boat more than he did.    I remember the summer before he passed away taking him out for one last sail.    He was really not able to use the boat himself and it was a great privilege to sail with him down past Sandy point where he pointed out his old cottage and told many stories of sailing on Kennebecasis Bay.

Seadog

 

Here are Mum and Dad on the newly rebuilt Merry Major. Three years on the hard each winter, every weekend!