Port Townsend Shipyard

Boatbuilding in wood is a beautiful art form.  From commercial vessels still making a living fishing to recreational boats preserving the look and feel of another time, there is much to see when visiting this seaport.  The Port Townsend Shipyard is home to some of the best shipwrights in the Pacific Northwest.  It is a great place to see wooden boats up close.

Like glass.  A calm morning in Port Townsend.

A wooden commercial fisher still making a living

Wooden small boat

The 1890 tug Elmore.  It was in the yard in April when we visited.

The bottom planking looked much older than the black painted planks at the bow.

The bottom of Elmore being prepped for re-caulking.

Built between 1938 and 1940 in Astoria, Oregon for the USCG.

Used as a survey ship by the Geodetic Survey (now part of NOAA)

Love the classic fantail stern.

Converted fishing trawler.

The fishing schooner Cape Cleare.  Nice article at:
www.ptleader.com/news/cape-cleare-fishery-to-raise-sail/article_1c1a4da6-32ef-11e4-b8e2-0017a43b2370.html

An interesting dinghy that had once been painted all blue.

Although weathered, it is still a work of art.

Beautiful wooden sloop.

Nice details in the cabin construction.

The process of bending wood to form the graceful lines of a sailboat still seems like magic.

I spent thirteen years on wooden Sea Scout boats from sixty-three footers and thirty-four foot Chris Craft to eight foot El Toros, and graceful sloops.

I've watched this restoration for years.

Another multi-year restoration

So much skill required to produce this section of the hull.

I typically visit the shipyard in the morning just after sunrise.  The air is crisp, the water flat, and the light perfect for photos.

Live well, Laugh often, Love much