A prettier sailing boat you will not see. She was not designed by a specific designer, but evolved in the late 1800s to fit the needs of the fishermen and lobstermen of Muscongus Bay on the Maine coast. Friendship Sloops were not identical and they varied in length between 21’ and 50’. Characteristically they had elliptical sterns and clipper bows. Generally, their beam equalled one third of their overall length, excluding the bowsprit, and the height of the mast was the length of the boat plus one half of the draft. Later, some were converted into yachts with increased freeboard and external ballast. The living accommodation was simple, in keeping with the workboat ethos and a few of these beauties are still sailing today.
No comments:
Post a Comment