Building a Glued Lapstrake Caledonia Yawl

Page 11: Side benches and mast partner

Nathaniel Wilson sail

The sails arrived today, and they look great. All the traditional touches, hand-sewn rings with swaged liners, rat-tailed hand roped corners and luff, even a hand-worked cringle at the clew! All very nicely done, but we're not surprised, Nathaniel Wilson has never sent us anything but wonderful sails.

For more photos and information, see Nathaniel Wilson sails.

They are both vertically cut (We gave him the option of vertical or horizontal, at his discretion), which we like for a lug rig. The foresail has three reefs, the mizzen two, so the owners will have a grand time trying out all the various combinations as the wind picks up!

Aft Floorboards for the Caledonia Yawl before separating into sections

The floorboards are in six sections so that individual sections are easily removed. Retrieving dropped pencils and screws while constructing the boat has convinced us the extra work was well worth it.

The side benches, looking aft

The floorboards nearest the centerboard trunk will also be separate to allow easy access to the garboard drains.

The side benches, looking forward

The side benches are cut to shape and clamped into position temporarily.

Foremast step of the Caledonia Yawl

The foremast step is mortised for the heel of the mast and has a drainage hole routed into the bottom groove. The step will be screwed and glued to the stem and garboards.