Look What We Did to Our Nice Canoes

Boys Trip 2006 035
Originally uploaded by OzzyC.

Per our tradition, we took our boys trip over Memorial Day weekend. For several years we have been travelling staying in Nicolette Forest in northease Wisconsin, for a few days of whitewater kayaking. This year, we decided to get back to our roots and do some canoeing. Greg and I took things a step further, and rigged up the Nice Canoes we built a couple of years ago as a makeshift catamaran. Greg, being engineer-boy, calculated the dimensions, measured the sail, and determined where to put the various parts. It worked surprisingly well -- for one day. The boat was structurally sound, but anything that directly related to the sailing aspect was woefully under-engineered. Stay tuned for the complete story... its quite a ride.

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A Weekend of Painting Peace Canoes

Group two works meticulously on Maurices design

Group one paints the canoe as designed by Alicia

Its always good to have a back up plan! Painting of the two completed Peace Canoes were set to take place during the Maryland Maritime Heritage Festival on May 2nd and 3rd. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate for what was needed to paint outdoors. So the kids and volunteers, went back to the original place of construction the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Group one completed their painting on Saturday afternoon. A vibrant, rainbow like pattern was chosen and the kids did a great job working together to put the final touches on their Canoe.

Sunday afternoon, the second group of canoe builders came in and they had a more intricate design to carry out. Designer, Maurice, sketched out the Maryland flag, a Grateful Dead Dancing Bear, and Box of Rain logo, as group members filled in the paint. The kids had a great time and really paid attention to detail to produce a professional looking final project.

Both canoes are now ready for the launch celebration to take place at 1pm on Sunday, May 17th. The event which will be held at the Annapolis Maritime Museum, welcomes all members of the community.

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How We Did It

Boys Trip 2006 055
Originally uploaded by OzzyC.

Our construction process was precise yet simple. Engineer-boy took the measurements and did the conversion mainly with things he already had laying around his garage... plywood, 2x4s, wooden dowels, ratchet straps, hose clamps, lag bolts and so forth. About the only parts he needed to buy were the flagpole that we used for the mast, and the tarp that he cut to the shape of a sail.

When we got to the reservoir, we spent the first two hours or so assembling the catamaran. By the time we finished the construction, got to camp, set up the tent and ate, it was time to go to bed. Additionally, the maiden voyage from the landing to the island occurred on a day with almost no wind. We were able to make our way to the island, but it was slow going. Our real test would have to wait for another day.

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The Peace Canoes Make Their Maiden Voyage

Peace canoes go out for the first paddle! Preparing for the blessing of the fleet!

Members of the first Boat Building by the Bay Program gathered along with project sponsors, volunteers, family, and community members to celebrate the completion of an amazing project.
The ceremony began inside the Bay Room at the recently renovated McNasby Building. Members from the Box of Rain, Annapolis Maritime Museum, Eastport Yacht Club Foundation, Annapolis Yacht Club Foundation, Junior League of Annapolis, Chesapeake Light Craft, as well as the boat building Leader, George Smith all spoke to the merits of the program just completing its first year. Awards were given to all participants before joining around the canoes and placing their signature inside the boat for posterity. Following the signing each participant grabbed hold of their canoe and marched it proudly out to the maritime beach.

As the boats laid at the tip of the water George gave a blessing and asked Maurice and Alicia (each responsible for one of the canoes designs) to toss a gold coin in the water so that as long as they sail they have good fortune. Then the first three participants took to their canoe and made a beautiful paddle around, gliding across the water for all to see. Each subsequent voyage was just as successful as all who participated in the program were able to take the canoe they built with their own hands for a beautiful ride along the water. Volunteers and community members then followed as all who were interested took they sturdy boats out for a small voyage.

The event ended with a bbq and cake, it was a celebration worthy of all the hard work that went into this project. The first year could not have been successful without the help from sponsors, volunteers, support from the community, and the dedication by the participants. We are excited for this project to continue on, stay tuned to see what shape the boat will take next year and how you can become involved. The boats will be making a stop at the National Hall of Fame, where they will be on display for about 2 weeks and then finding their final home at Sarles Marina in Eastport, so that the participants and community may have access to these wonderful boats.

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