Humble Pie
Jim September 21st, 2007
LaHogue, launched by James Laing on 16 July 1855, for Duncan Dunbar. At 226 feet and 1152 tons under deck, and rigged with double fore and main top-sails, single topgallant sails and royals. It was the largest vessel built in the North up to that time.
Temerity, launched by James Laing on 22 August 2007. At 11 feet 1 inch, 3 foot 10 1/2 inch beam, 5 inch draft, and plans to be rigged with a gunter mainsail post graduate school. It was the largest vessel built in his parent’s garage up to that time.
Let’s put this in perspective: First off, Sir James Laing was a ripe old man in 1855 and LaHogue represents a lifetime of achievement. While Temerity was launched on my 25th birthday, Sir James Laing launched LaHogue while staring death in the face at … 32 years old.
Well, how about the fact that Sir James relied on centuries worth of ship building wisdom passed down from generation to generation, working entirely with lumber, know-how and hand tools. All I had to work with was the full resources of the Internet, uniting a global community of modern-day boat builders (and of course all of the power tools money can buy … not to mention epoxy and plywood).
At the very least, I’m willing to bet that he had help …
Sometimes you’re just beaten, fair and square … my boat doesn’t even have cannons! More pictures here.