We're always astounded by the quality and detail of the work that sailors put into restoring old sailboats. Regardless of the size or type of boat they are treated to hard work, patience and a certain amount of love. The results are often nothing short of miraculous as boats that regular people would condemn to the scrap heap are transformed into fully functioning vessels of beauty and form. And as always, we appreciate the time and effort everyone has gone to to submit their boat restorations for the Summer Sailstice Restore an Old Sailboat contest.
And a big Thank You to our Summer Sailstice sponsors, partners and prize donors.
When we look a the contest entries, we consider the boat and its before condition and the photos and details we received as part of the entry. This year's winning entry was informative and well illustrated.
First Place goes to Manuel "Manny" Moreno from Reality Sailing Youth Program. Manny entered the 1975 cutter rig 38 full keel Downeaster that he's been rebuilding for the youth sailing program.
"It was neglected and pretty much abandoned after a powerful storm hit San Diego Bay and caused the beautiful cruiser to break loose from her mooring ball. The boat drifted and her stern hit the Star of India – a steel hull vessel which is a San Diego landmark and part of the San Diego Maritime Museum's fleet. Our boat, Tidal Treasure, suffered substantial damage to her starboard stern and took on water before her recovery."
The project that began in 2016 is producing a beautiful sail-ready vessel that will serve as a learning vessel for the youths as they progress through the Reality Sailing Youth Program.
Second Place goes to Sooke Sailing Association and their Richardson Aqua Craft, a 12 ft Cedar Strip Sailing Dinghy built around 1962.
"In 1967 it was found in bad repair by the Roots Family on the banks of the Gataneau River. They restored it, and their kids and grand-kids learned to sail in her. They felt she was not being used the last 5 years and saw us out sailing all the time so graciously donated her to the Sooke Sailing Association. We expect to have the outside done in a few weeks to sail her this summer then do the inside this winter when we have a little more time inside."
Third Place goes to Jason Sigmundstad for his 1964 Wesco Marine Victory 21.
'I bought it from an Estate Sale last September of 2018. I lived across the street from it for several years but the owner never wanted to sell it. So far we've removed all the rigging from her and started stripping a couple layers of paint and the original gold anodizing from the boom & mast.'
This year's winners receive the following prizes:
1st Prize: Dock Cart from West Marine / Mantus Anchors Backpack / Mt Gay Flask from Pirates Lair / Good Old Boat Magazine Subscription
2nd Prize: Mantus Anchors Headlamp / New England Ropes Docklines/ Good Old Boat Magazine Subscription
3rd Prize: Mantus Anchors $100 Gift Cert / Good Old Boat Magazine Subscription
Congratulations to all our winners, and thanks to everyone for participating.
If you're fixing up an old sailboat take lots of photos and keep track of what you're doing – it'll make a great entry for next year's 20th annual Summer Sailstice 'Anniversary' Restore an Old Sailboat Contest - June 20, 2020.
