Refits & Restorations

Story and photos by Roger Hughes The first indication there was a problem with the bowsprit on my 1977 Down East 45 schooner was when I was hoisted up the foremast using the electric windlass which was bolted on top of the bowsprit. The operator mentioned the windlass “moved” as he hoisted me using the winding drum. When I came down the mast I saw what he was talking about, because the windlass was noticeably out of…

Story and photos by Roger Hughes The two levels of vinyl-coated wire lifelines on my 50-foot brigantine schooner Britannia were well past their prime. Sections of the vinyl coating had faded into a dull brown, with parts chafed and cracked, exposing the wire, and many of the chrome fittings had lost their luster. If I accidentally ran my hand along an exposed section, it often resulted in blood. They simply had to be replaced, not only for…

Story & photos by Molly Mulhern   What do you get when you cross a pair of friends who have loved sailboats for the last 50+ years, a one-tonner looking for a new owner, a pandemic, and Penobscot Bay at one’s doorstep? One ton of a refit. Such is the recent story of Wildwood, a one-tonner designed by Doug Peterson and built by Eric Goetz in the Bristol, Rhode Island yard in 1979-80. She now swings happily…