WOODPUSSY RENAISSANCE UPDATE
06 April 2004 LONG ISLAND, NY. Tony DEloia reports:
We're taking the following tack to float a few boats, using Mark Angliss' methods;
Mark Angliss will send out a series of e/mails pertaining to building a Woodpussy (13' 6" Phil Rhodes Catboat) using modern materials. (est. W-P materials cost$3000+incl. spars and sail - Labor hours est. 50 to 200 based your woodworking expertise). Boats will conform to USWPCA class rules. Mark will make forms for a group of interested home Woodpussy builders who will pass them to the next builder, for hull consistency. We expect to start this fall (with mine). To receive this series, send me a note to "include me"; include your name, address, tel # and brief boating ownership Bio. & I'll shortly advise you of the starting date for the project. If you wish to participate in this planned forum without building a boat, sign on as a "discussion participant only". Tony DEloia 631-368-8253 Long Island NY
The Woodpussy Catboat Renaissance
by Tony DEloia
The Woodpussy catboat is being revived after a building pause of 30+ years. Less than100 of these boats have survived. These little classics (13' 6" with a 6' beam) were designed by Phil Rhodes in the late 40's. They're easy to sail and and will comfortably hold 4 adults for a day or evening outing.
The Woodpussy class was recognized by US Sailing last year (USWPCA). Efforts are underway on Long Island; in New Jersey by the Monmouth Boat Club and by the Schrewsbury Sailing & Yacht Club to add to existing fleets. The Crystal Lake Yacht Club in Michigan with their aggressive rebuilding program has 10-12 boats sailing and racing on Crystal Lake. Two wooden hulls and two fiberglass hulls will soon be restored Long Island.
A "Marscott" was restored last year on Long Island and is being sailed off Oak Island in the Great South Bay. Another "One Design Marine" Woodpussy was sent to the fleet in Michigan after its restoration.was completed. Since it has become impossible to locate additional boats for restoration and current owners won't part with them, an effort is underway to build them again in fiberglass. We plan to have boats built to satisfy the needs of the daysailing folks as well as the racing buffs.
For a history of the Woodpussy view the following websites:
http://www.netlabs.net/hp/mbc/wp/history/abbott.pdf
http://www.netlabs.net/hp/mbc/wp/history/history.htm
Regards,
Tony DEloia,
Long Island 631-368-6143 e/mail santone@optonline.net