Great progress is being made on Bowdoin. The crew at the shipyard worked hard on tackling the many aspects of the work needed to get Bowdoin back in sailing shape. Some highlights from the week include:

1. Ten more planks were removed this week to open up space for frame replacement.
2. The crew tackled concrete removal this week as Bowdoin has internal concrete ballast to help protect the frames, provide a surface for water to run into the bilge wells, and to provide weight that adds stability to the ship under sail. In order to remove the frames that extend down to the keel of the vessel, concrete and the steel mixed with it must be removed.  This job, which involves using a hand held jackhammer to chip the concrete and steel chunks out, is the hardest one on the site.
3. Six sections of frame were removed. The shipwrights are also making patterns of the frames and have begun cutting the 7-inch thick live oak slabs that will become new frames.
4. The USCG visited Bowdoin this week to train new inspectors in wooden vessel construction. A contingent from Boston made the trip up and spent several hours training on wooden vessel construction and repair techniques.  We are happy to help the USCG in training the next generation of inspectors!
5. In Castine, the schooner crew has been busy with continued block maintenance and will take a trip down to Boothbay Harbor this weekend to take a look at the work being done at the shipyard.

Thank you for following our progress!

Captain McLean

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