Deck arrangement for a 100ft schooner

Schooner Project

Hi James,

That is an amazing project you have taken on. My wife and I are currently finishing up building a Brittany tuna fishing boat replica (tiny compared to Cecelie), but you might be interested in how we put the cabin top on the deck.

It basically is bolted top like a traditional cargo hatch, which was pretty nice to have open during the construction/sandblasting/painting phase (some photos here http://boatmutts.ca/not-much-new-blasting-and-painting/). While the structure is currently steel, we thought we could switch it up for wood in the future if we wanted. Anyway - maybe this is a way forward for you to go before deciding between a pure cargo craft vs human charter cargo.

Our last boat was a 36' schooner, you'll have lots of fun sailing her when completed. There is a "local" schooner around here about your size: http://www.mistofavalon.org/specs.html

Cheers,
Mark

 

Mark, hi,

your boat is beautiful! This image struck me especially as I read through your blog this morning:

http://i1.wp.com/boatmutts.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_1699-Medium.jpg

Thanks for the link to the Mist of Avalon, too. I hadn't heard of her. It's good to hear of a tall ship that seems to be making a living.

My project is back underway this week. I've found a naval architect to draw up a 3d model so I have to arrange to go out to Holland to take her lines. It's also an opportunity to get to know my lady a little better up close and get the first scheme of work agreed.

Kind regards,

James

 

Hi James,

Here's Murielle, the other M of M&MOvenden. Reading over you have received sound advice regarding cargo vs sailing ship. I have a cousin in France who works for a cie specializing in the purchase and distribution of products of products imported by sailing vessel and they seem to be quite successful. Obviously products are luxury items as there is an added cost and limited quantity of products transported by SV available. If I was to arrange for cargo I would focus on pallet dimensions as those are more realistic dimension, and as per your container idea, directly load on trucks or trains.

As for ideas of deck arrangements, don't only focus on schooners as differently rigged vessels may also bring in ideas. You might want to check out Notre-Dame de Rumengol in Brest, France. She was built as a cargo sailing vessel, she moved everything from wine, vegetable to sand. Her cargo hold still exists but has been suited to host passengers. On website you'll see photos then and now. There is a neat old photo where her main gaff is used as crane to load sand.

Mentioning Brest, since you are located in the UK, it wouldn't be so far for you to go over in July for Brest 2016. There aren't many occasions to see that many traditional rigs all at once.

http://antest.net/le-bateau-notre-dame-de-rumengol/

Cheers,
Murielle

 

Murielle, hi,

> I have a cousin in France who works for a cie specializing in the purchase and distribution of products of products imported by sailing vessel and they seem to be quite successful.

I guessed these companies would exist. It's great to hear of it, though. I suspect this market will only grow.

I plan to have a huge hatch over the cargo hold, none of this handing boxes in one by one! I hope that Cecelie will be more suited to loading and discharging cargoes that any other sailing vessel. I think you're right that I should focus on palettes. The container idea was just me musing on how to make the whole business as smooth as possible. Essentially the bigger the hold and the bigger the hatch and, indeed, the more uncluttered space directly above it, the better.

I hadn't heard of Notre-Dame de Rumengol, either. Another beautiful vessel and another that backs my idea that it's possible for a sailing ship to make some kind of living at least partly as a cargo vessel. And yes, I agree, I think her cabin suits her. I think Cecelie, given her size, will definitely need a wheelhouse that you can stand up in. This one looks just right, the relatively short length fore to aft means that it doesn't take away from the hull lines. I think this is the right approach, not some elongated state room.

I wish I could ask to be put in touch with your cousin in France, however it would be five years premature! I'll get my skates on a try to get Cecelie finished double quick.

Thanks again for your interest, both of you. And, again, I think your PePeBerrou is beautiful!

Kindest regards,

James

 

Just thought of an other ship you might want to look at; Etoile De France.

http://www.amisdesgrandsvoiliers.org/GrandsVoiliers_EtoileFrance.htm
http://www.etoile-marine.com/portfolio/etoile-de-france/

Murielle

 

Murielle, hi,

very solid. She gets a lot of film work, it seems. Another line of work worth contemplating.

Regards,

James

 

Murielle, hi,

I've just read your latest two posts, by the way.

Good luck with your project this season. I hope you get the engine in, get her painted and that generally it all goes well.

Kind regards,

James