A man who is not afraid of the sea will soon
be drowned, he said,
for he will be going out on a day he shouldn't.
— JOHN SYNGE
With this issue of Gaff Rig we pass our first channel buoy on our journey to open waters. Our sails are full; our wake, crisp, discernible, and rippling. We are on our way with fair winds before us, and promising sky over us. Much thanks needs go to an eager seaworthy crew and to an encouraging entourage of anxious seafaring readers.
You’ll find a word or two of warning here. As those who launch out on the salty brine, we are forced to understand the disconcerting threat of growing waves and ill winds. We are sailors in the truest sense for we go upon the waters in small sailboats. There is a quiet thrill to all of that. There can also be an unsuspecting peril in what we do. As sailors we have to know the direction of wind and of tide. It cannot be otherwise.
In this issue you’ll find an intriguing article by Craig Gleason, illustrating how quickly elements can change. The article, Big Waves, is an older one, but we thought it worthy of reprint. (Besides, Craig has some great pictures, and we like what he has to say.)
Also, in this issue is a commentary on the opening scene of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. This particular play begins in medias res with an impending shipwreck unfolding before our eyes. You’ll appreciate the words and movements of the boatswain as he attempts to thwart the inevitable. You may also come to appreciate Shakespeare’s equally accurate insight into self-deception and arrogance.
All in all, we hope you find this our second
effort a worthy effort. There is a vast variety of topics here, all nautical,
and seaworthy of your attention. Happy boat building; happy sailing; happy
reading.
Back Yard Yacht Builders
A non-commercial association of amateur boat-builder enthusiasts.
All our wooden boats are Stevenson designs.