Albert Strange's Norma

[Howard Sharp]

Last year I promised Thad that if I couldn't build Norma full size at least I would make a half model. Here's progress so far. Bowsprit and boomkin to come. There was only ever one built, in 1914, and it was wrecked in the Menai Straights in 1941. 25' 5" x 7' x 3'4". I think it's one of his prettiest small designs.


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2304/2465883008_1c73e62578.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/2465886662_5686857d30.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2164/2465054571_56241a75e0.jpg

[crawdaddyjim50]

Very nice!

[Bill Perkins]

Great work Howard ;I have the book with her lines ,but it's fun to get a 3d look . Still think you might build? I'll print the pics and store them in my book . You may prompt someone else to build if not yourself .Maybe send the pics to Strange Assoc. website?

[Howard Sharp]

Thanks, I'm going to gussy it up a bit first - bowsprit, backboard and paint,etc. Actually it's a really fun way to get to know a design. If I were to build her myself I would need a bigger space than a suburban 2 car garage. Just dreaming. Our next boat is going to be a canoe (Wee Rob).

[skuthorp]

"Our next boat is going to be a canoe (Wee Rob)."

With sailing gear I hope?

[Howard Sharp]

Oh yes, maybe even cotton sails.

[Thad]

Looks great Howard!! Beautiful!!! And more so with the rig!

[Dick Wynne]

Looks great Howard!! Beautiful!!! And more so with the rig!

And I'd be delighted to feature the model on the website when you're ready...

[John Meachen]

Nice job,please give us the opportunity to see the remaining stages of the project.

[Frank E. Price]

Oh, yeah. Ver' nice indeed.

Dick, any news on Constance?

Frank

[boylesboats]

Damn Howard, that is a great looking half model..
Did you go by eyeball, or you have a layout to do the lines?

[RodB]

Great job Howard, that design has always been one of my favorites too.

RodB

[Howard Sharp]

I did lifts from plans from the Mystic Seaport collection. Sort of followed the piece that Eric Dow did in the WB magazine a few months back.

[boylesboats]

I did lifts from plans from the Mystic Seaport collection. Sort of followed the piece that Eric Dow did in the WB magazine a few months back.

Wow.. Still did a great job..

[Dick Wynne]

Oh, yeah. Ver' nice indeed.

Dick, any news on Constance?

Frank

Sorry Frank, just noticed this, been away a day or two. She is up on drums waiting for a lick of paint where she would ride over the mooring buoy when wind & tide opposed, I have since bound the ring on the buoy with rope, that works OK, I see that some use traffic cones over the strop etc. I'll no doubt end up doing all her topsides for tidiness, a rub and one coat is a quick enough job. Also freshening of her varnish.

Hope to float her in 3-4 weeks and contrive a weekend per month or so on her, plus a 7-10 day cruise in late Summer. I am a bit overstretched both boat- and otherwise lately, I have allowed myself to acquire two clinker-built luggers in recent years, love them both for their different qualities, and can't contemplate parting with either. A common ailment I know and only myself to blame.

Her last outing was September at the annual Strange Meet, here is a short impression of that weekend by a friend:

The Meet (http://www.albertstrange.org/?p=215)

and some snaps of Constance there:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2089/2210958944_c53622e47e.jpg

More here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dickw/sets/72157603772763265/)

I had planned to keep her sailing through the winter but in October the yard sprang on me that her mooring (which they maintain) was not insured for winter use and I had to yank her out pronto, having no alternative to hand except the far more expensive nearby marina. I think I may bite that bullet next winter if they have room in there as I like it on the water in winter. I even bought a dry suit as falling off her in winter could easily and quickly be fatal otherwise. Which reminds me I must sort out a reliable way to get back on board...

[Frank E. Price]

Ahh, thank you sir; just what I needed. That's quite a writeup on the meet. Clearly, God must love Brits because they're in possession of the Queen's English and wit - your club scribe being a reminder for the rest of us.

What an art collection affiliated with the ASA. Even that green looks good on Constance. Thanks again Dick.

Frank