Construction for Matthew Turner is sailing ahead with major accomplishments being made to the running rigging, carpentry and anchor system and so much more! With the enormous task underway to set roughly 100 lines and to trim and take in all 11 sails on Matthew Turner, the running rigging remains an exciting focal point. The rigging crew is busy connecting this four-mile network; some lines will require splicing, whipping, blocks, fair leads and tackle, and they’re doing an amazing job. The crew loves every day up high in the yards.
The vessel of Matthew Turner now includes handcrafted furnishings and fine carpentry (made largely by volunteers) that are integrated throughout the entire vessel. With the deck carpentry almost complete, we are starting to generate momentum for the interior carpentry. There is still much to be done, and our team is excited to visualize the finished product, as well as bring to life to the ship through the beauty of fine craftsmanship.
We are dreaming of the day when Matthew Turner nears an exotic tropical island, and we hear the call, “Let go the port anchor!” Dan Higgins, who designed and installed our chain pipe, will soon be securing our windlass and getting our 500-pound anchors and chain aboard. The enormous anchor motor will lift two 300-foot chains with anchors attached!
We are now focused on installing the propulsion system, which requires one-inch and ¾-inch specially manufactured heavy gauge wiring. Next will be hundreds of small gauge wires that connect all the sophisticated components of our state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion system. More details about the eco-hybrid installation to come soon. Full speed ahead!
Fair Winds,
Alan Olson
Generous capital funding provided in part by the California Coastal Conservancy
