Wednesday, February 26, 7 p.m., Orcas Senior Center
— from Mark Smaalders —
The Wooden Boat Society of the San Juan Islands is hosting a talk by John Guzzwell, renowned sailor and boat builder.
In the early 1950s John Guzzwell built the wooden 20’ sloop Trekka in Victoria, BC and then sailed her out the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and on around the world (she was the smallest boat to circumnavigate at the time).
During that trip John joined Miles and Beryl Smeeton for a rounding of Cape Horn aboard their 46 foot ketch Tzu Hang. They were pitchpoled and dismasted, but made it to Chilean coast under jury rig. Since then he has built many boats, sailed his wooden 46’ cutter Treasure several times around the Pacific, and competed in two singlehanded transpacific races aboard Endangered Species, a 30’ boat of his own design.
John – who is a former Orcas Island resident – will share his insights from a lifetime of sailing and boatbuilding, and will show a film that he took during the fateful trip aboard Tzu Hang. Join us for an exciting evening! Admission is free, but we welcome donations to cover costs and help support the Wooden Boat Society. Questions? Please call Mike Douglas, 376-5881.
About the Wooden Boat Society of the San Juan Islands
The Wooden Boat Society of the San Juan Islands promotes the restoration, use and enjoyment of wooden boats. The Wooden Boat Society of the San Juan Islands was formed in 2002 to perpetuate the craftsmanship, artistry and knowledge of the maritime traditions through education, public display, restoration and construction, and entertainment. The society has a strong commitment to the care and feeding of wooden boats, their owners and those who appreciate them.
