The Small Reach Regatta in Maine attracts a disparate fleet of different boats annually – this year the record number of Goat Island Skiffs was broken as 5 GISs trumps 3 GISs of a few years back – the regatta is a spin off from the WoodenBoat Magazine group.
Sailing shots below. But first the regatta scene while the boats rig up.
There was a bit of trouble getting all five Goat Island Skiffs together at one time. From left – first, fifth and sixth boats.
They were easier to catch when not on the move! Three …
… plus one …
… plus one more.
Sailing Portraits of the Goat Island Skiffs
Three of the boats – the green, red and blue hulls – were made in Canada by their skippers, all Canadians from Merrickville, Ontario.
The skipper of the green boat is Jim Waldie, a master woodworker and boatmaker. The red hull was built and skippered by James Clugston, and the blue hull by his brother Michael Clugston. We all purchased GIS kits from Clint Chase.
Clint has rowed long distances in the Goat – he is a real sail and oar man. And makes CNC cut kits for the Goat Island Skiff in the USA and Australia (UK/Europe kits here). The Goat covers distance extremely well under oar. Once a light wind starts it will outpace most other boats. But water is really glassy here.
More Photos Below
The next two reflect the difficulties in getting the Goats to herd. Three is easy.
And easy again. But not the same three.
More Sailing Photos the Goat Island Skiff
Previous best attendance was three.
And they were different boats from this five. So, Eight next year???
Goat Island Skiff is simple construction without a lot of parts
Count them – two sides, a bottom, four bulkheads and three seat tops.
Oh … and the centrecase. The single powerful sail also reduces associated labour. Though there is a yawl version which makes reefing the mainsail a bit easier if expeditions are your thing.
