"James Caird" Branford, CT

[Figment]

I was out for a row on saturday afternoon, and couldn't resist a detour into Bruce & Johnson marina to get a closer look at this gorgeous boat that caught my eye.

I didn't have the digicam with me. The name was "James Caird". 30-32' double ended lapstrake power cruiser. Lots of sweep to the sheer, dark green hull, bright finished cabin.

From a distance, it almost looked like someone took a "Spray" hull and built a lobsteryacht-style pilothouse and cabin onto it. This is one gorgeous vessel. I ogled for about 15 minutes before going my merry way.

Anyone know anything about this boat?

[ 04-25-2004, 08:29 PM: Message edited by: Figment ]

[Mrleft8]

Is is a fairly narrow hull? If it is, it might be Kent Bloomers boat.

[Figment]

um..... not really. If I had to guess, I'd say 11' beam.

The double-ended NARROW hulled powerboat on the branford river is at the upriver end of Dutch Wharf. Not lapstrake, though. 38'x8' maybe. Dark blue hull, bright cabin. I'll bet Mr. Dillon knows this one. Pure elegance in motion.

Edit: BARNACLE! "Barnacle" is the name of the blue hulled double ender. It just came to me.

[ 04-06-2004, 11:04 AM: Message edited by: Figment ]

[phiil]

Two different boats here. Barnacle is an "Energy 48" built, I think, by Martin marine (Kittery, Maine? The recreatioal shell guy?) back in the mid 70's. Originally had an A-frame mast and gaff setup kinda like the old Aqua-Cats. Tiny little diesel, was supposed to use two tablespoons an hour or so. Pretty boat in an odd kinda way. I have noticed that I see her at the dock a lot more than I see her out and about.

James Baird I think I have noticed. Very handsome craft. Looks British to me.

[Mrleft8]

James Baird I think I have noticed. Very handsome craft. Looks British to me. Bad teeth? :D

[Mrleft8]

OK, this was bugging me, so I got on the phone, and answered the question that was keeping me up at night. "Barnacle" is Kent Bloomer's boat.

[Figment]

hmmmm.... my sculpture-induced distaste for the man is slightly diminished by this information. I've admired that boat for years.

Sure, it spends more time at the dock than on the move, but that's hardly an original sin!

[ken mcclure]

:D Doug.

http://www.brain.cuccinello.com/images/bastard/miscellaneous_bastards/bad%20teeth.jpg

[Figment]

I detoured yesterday's boat ride for a second look. The name is "James Caird" (with a C) and it's even sweeter the second time you see it. My vantage point was a lot higher this time (aboard Figment this time, not the dink) so I got a better peek at the cockpit and pilot house appointments. Fantastic.

The neighborhood has gone waaaay downhill, though. In the time passed since the first sighting, AA dock's complement of gin palaces has been launched. She's lost in a desert of HUGE white plastic.

[Stu Fyfe]

Well they sure picked a great name. The original James Caird was one of Shackleton's lifeboats named after a sponsor of his ill fated trip to Antarctica. The Caird was the boat they rigged to make the rescue sail from Elephant Island. It's known as one of the greatest sailing accomplishments in history.