Tulips in NJ…Amsterdam in the Fall

While New Hampshire is just shedding it’s snow layer, near the office in NJ the tulips are up already.  It got me thinking of my great trip to METS (Marine Accessory Trade Show) last fall.   It was my 5th time to this show and I was still impressed.

I was more pleased to be able to go with two great travel partners, Sam Devlin of Devlin Designing Boat Builders and Jim Miller of WoodenBoat magazine.  

At METS, I loved the hardware and accessories from Europe that you don’t see everyday in the US. Sam and I are awed by the sexy Italian metalwork, and the cleats aren’t bad either!  There was everything from adjustable props for mega yachts to a new thruster system for new and retrofit boats that uses a central pump and hoses to the bow and stern. Quiet and cost effective. Very cool!

 I have to say though the highlight of the trip was the tour of the replica Dutch trader from the 1800′s Batavia. This is a traditionally built replica of a ship that sank off of New Guinea on it’s maiden voyage.  Lots of fun to get a tour of such a huge vessel.

 After the Batavia, we continued being “good” tourists, taking tours of the canals and the Dutchmasters  museum. Very cool ship models and paintings of sea battles.  And of course we had to also take the tour of the Sailors Bar reportedly the oldest bar in Amsterdam. Yes it’s in the red light district and very entertaining!!!!! 

 We happened upon a bookstore which carried Sam’s famous book on boatbuilding. Who’d have thought! The owner of the store got Sam to sign a copy for his own collection.  Sam and I picked up some ink and pen drawings as souvenirs from the early 1900′s.

Amsterdam is not known for it’s food but Sam, Jim and I share an affinity for good cigars and I would have to say Amsterdam has one of the best cigar shops in the world…served with a fine Port in a private room with marble walls, fine Oak trim and floors.  It was like something out of an old movie. This is what Old guys consider fun!

Well enough of Amsterdam for now, although I hope to go back in a few months. 

JB

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Sea Island Boat Works

Mark Bayne, owner of Sea Island Boat Works,  and I recently walked through his yard and talked about the projects he has.

 Most of all we discussed MAS O KIsS , my 1962 42′ Chriscraft Sport Fish, which Mark is restoring for me.  He has done an amazing job rebuilding the cockpit sole and reglassing the decks using 10 oz cloth and MAS low viscosity resin for good wet out of the wood and fiberglass

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Mark has to be one of the best shipwrights in the world. Check out the Spirit of South Carolina just one example of his talent.

Thanks to Mark and his lovely bride Sherri for a wonderful time.

JB

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