August 25, 2016

This last month was busy; I spent a number of days sailing the Schooner Manitou down in Traverse City. When I was home I spent my time fairing the hull. Fairing is the process of making the surface smooth by sanding high spots and filling in low spots. The seams on the chines (where the bottom and the sides meet) and joints in the plywood sheathing got fiberglass tape in preparation for covering the hull with fiberglass cloth.

I’ve also started laying out the keel and the rudder. These have to be built and installed before the boat is rolled over.
We had a covering party on Wednesday, August 24, and got the boat covered in about 7 hours. The next step is filling the weave of the cloth and making the surface smooth and fair for paint.

Our website is up at www.ditallship.com, where you can read more about Schooner Huron Jewel and where we will be sailing her. Discounted tickets for next year’s sailing season are now available for purchase online. Trips are available for 2 hour daysails, half-day river cruises, bed and breakfast stays, and five and ten day cruises. If you would like a longer trip give us a call and we’ll be happy to plan a trip for you.

Want to learn more about Schooner Huron Jewel? Stop by Schooner House at 38988 S McKenzie Pt Rd., Drummond Island, MI. If we’re there we’re happy to answer your questions.

– Captain Hugh