Presenting, TOM TOBY!!!

What an amazing feeling. I spent months talking about her, months working on her, and she is finally done.

It just couldn't have been a better day. There was a lot to do and with the help of a bunch of great friends, it turned into something I'll never forget.

I "soft" launched her at school and rowed over the the Pelican Bridge beach. Rowing was tough, my thole pins were proving troublesome, and I was not quite ready for the difference. So, I arrived a little late but I don't think it mattered. I was greeted by the biggest group of friends I could imagine. My friend Josh started a bonfire on the beach, and I had sent some official Royal Navy Grog over to start it off. I was really worried about being so late but then I realized I provided rum so I don't think anyone was complaining.

I beached her and greeted my friends and then we toasted. To Neptune, the four winds, and proclaimed her Tom Toby! Tom Toby was the name of a privateer vessel who served with the Texas Navy during the revolution.

Then, liberal amounts of grog, rum, and beer were passed around and it turned into quite the party. Absolutely unforgettable.

I want to thank all my friends, teachers, family and Kelly for everything everybody did, big or small. I could not have done this without y'all's enthusiastic support.

So what do I do next?

Well, I have to make some oars, fix a seal and fix the oar lock situation but after that I'm a bit lost. Definitely going to step a mast soon and stitch up some canvas, then we'll see how she moves under the wind!

But what is the future of Neptune Nation? I have some ideas, some very exciting. All I know is that to me Neptune Nation has become a source of inspiration about our relationship with the water. I think I want to explore that, and I encourage you to do so with me.


Thanks for everything!

Water is Life

Brett

If you want to learn more about the Thomas Toby, go to The Texas Navy website, great stuff!
Check out my friends green, sustainable, sailing research vessel here on Galveston at JPL Marine Labs!
And check out my new add to a Maritime History blog at Maritime Texas and his Civil War Blog!

Thank you Blogs of Note!!!

It is here! Dory Launch FEB 23 5:30 p.m. Location TBD!!

Thanks to everyone!

I will be launching her (my dory) on Wednesday early evening at 5:30 p.m.. It won't last long but I will be doing a traditional toast to Neptune and the four winds. Location is TBD right now but will be either at TAMUG Boat Basin or right across the channel. I will update this as soon as I finalize logistical concerns.

I gladly welcome anyone to attend!


Water is Life.

Brett

Boat Soup!!!

I guess my idea about not putting pictures would make me post more is wrong. Still being a dirtbag about posting but, you know how it goes. :P

In about half an hour I'm off to the boat to do some painting, well er, boat souping. What is boat souping? Boat soup is a combination of turpentine, linseed oil, pine tar, and Japan drier. This was how boats were traditionally painted. Work boats like the Banks dory would also be given a coat of paint on the outside for durability. 

I'm sure you've noticed the change in the site. I'm doing some re-visioning of my site concept. If you have any ideas or know anyone who makes web sites, drop me an email.

Water is Life.

Brett

No jazz, just results

Ok, so I realize, I am extremely derelict in my posts this month (and last month)...

But I can't help it, school and boatbuilding leave little time for anything else. So, I have decided that if I stop requiring myself to post pictures every time then I would be more likely to write what's going on.

I have some great results right now. If you look at the pictures previous to this post you can see the dory has been planked. What I have spent the last two weeks doing was the gun'ls and other 'deck furniture.' My friend seth told me that would take a bit of time. Of course I didn't believe him, but he was right.

I have cut myself, cussed, and broken more things in the last two weeks than I have in the entire build. But alas, she is coming to a close.

Tune in for more, email me with questions @ NeptuneNation@gmail.com