I took these photos back in early August 2019 in the village where I learned to swim . . . Sodus Point. When I asked a few people about it, I heard that it was a wreck, it was done . . . etc.

The small schooner clearly had been loved at one time.

Last week I learned the good news that the lift had loaded it onto a trailer to take it to a yard for . . .

restoration! So I finally googled it, which I’d not thought to do before, and lo and behold . . . it has pedigree! It was designed by William H. Hand, and launched in Rocky River OH in 1918. The S. S. S. means “Sea Scout Ship.” Thirty years ago, it had been trucked to Rivendell Marine, in Monument Beach MA in 1991.
All photos, WVD, and story to be continued.
Photo and discussion below can be found on FB, John Kucko Digital . . . December 21, 2020. By the way, John Kucko is a legend up in western and central NYS. Tugboat in the background is Donald Sea.
Since this post features a sailing post, let me share what I’ve been watching, based on a suggestion of a reader from South Africa.
First a trip from the Falklands to Capetown on an impressive boat this past summer.
Then I learned the name of the boat and the concept developer, Skip Novak. Here‘s more Skip Novak.
Then I learned of his latest project . . . 2020 into 2021, appropriate for these days.
Thx, Colin. This is good winter fare.
8 comments
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December 27, 2020 at 1:10 pm
Sue Crenshaw
Donald Sea is for sale by the way, it was purchased by Burrows marine construction as a package deal with a couple barges and they don’t need her.
December 27, 2020 at 4:08 pm
tugster
Thx, sue. Do you know if there’s a detailed listing?
December 28, 2020 at 1:02 pm
swattsx
I do not, but if anyone is interested I’m sure Katlynn Marine can get them details. I only know it’s for sale because a friend was looking at getting into shore line construction and we met him over there by the launch where it is to look at it with him.
December 28, 2020 at 1:05 pm
tugster
Thx much, swattsx. If anyone is inrterested, Katlynn Marine’s info is here: http://www.katlynnmarine.com/
December 27, 2020 at 4:28 pm
Jim Gallant
Glad to see LOTUS may have a happy ending in a year with far too little in the way of good news. Thanks for sharing, Will!
December 27, 2020 at 5:10 pm
Lou Carreras
Hand designed some very worthy boats, it would be great to see this one restored. thanks for the interesting post.
December 27, 2020 at 7:11 pm
George Schneider
Just in case I’m not the only boaty geek participating, here’s a few missing details about the LOTUS: Official Number 220390, Gross Registered Tonnage 16, Length Overall (including bowsprit) 60 ft, and the official builder’s name is T. B. VanDorm, the original owner.
January 6, 2021 at 5:37 am
tugster
Here’s a video with interesting shot on interior and voyage to OpSail 2000: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpeUo3ppHos&feature=em-lsp