New wood...

Revenante is snug as a bug (hopefully all the bugs are deceased) in its winter quarters. Cabin top repairs proceed apace with the first new wood being laid this weekend. Truly comfortable under the tarp, even if one end is still open. Strange coincidences abound. Seems that in the 1930's a crew of my family members sailed from Montreal to Bic in the Lower St. Lawrence. Perhaps not overly remarkable in itself, but they did it in a 40 ft Pinky Schooner! (See the third photo) I look forward to closing that historical circle in the next few years. Talk about "Une Revenante..."!

Our goal is to get a start on the planking before the New Year, get the cabin top closed in, and install a heater so that all the internal cabinetry can begin.

It begins...

V O L U N T E E R S,
Who have a desire to return to Sea and put themselves hull-down for Adventure, are invited to make their Marks on the Volunteer Crew Roster of
La Revenante,
Or, the Spectre (ex-BUCCANEER)
Dr. John Wootton and Captain Vernon Fairhead, Owners.

A Down-East built replica 30-ton 18th Century Pinky Schooner now rebuilding at its Yard in Quebec for Launching in the Spring of 2006.
In the Summer of 2006, La Revenante will be voyaging in the Great Lakes and the Upper Saint Lawrence River, possibly in conjunction with portions of the American Sailing Training Association tour.

In the Summer of 2007, La Revenante will carry out an historically-based voyage to the Maritime Provinces, and attend the International Tall Ships gathering in Halifax harbour.

La Revenante will offer berths for paying Volunteer Hands willing to operate the ship in period dress for various legs of these and other voyages, ranging from a few days to a few weeks in length. To have your name entered as possible Volunteer Crew and receive a Crew Registration Form, apply by e-mail or regular mail to:

Captain Vernon Fairhead, Master
Schooner La Revenante
RR No 1
Shawville, Quebec, Canada JOX 2YO
fairhead@sprint.ca

VIVE LE ROI . GOD SAVE THE KING .

Under cover...

One last weekend of indian summer has allowed us to beat the snow, and get the cover up over Revenante. And "aye!" for hydraulics... There is even headroom for the work that will be done on deck. Some head scratching and muttering about the fastenings. Some are old iron, and are certainly sick. Other are much newer. Was she re-fastened? When? Be nice to know some of this previous history - perhaps old information will surface as we go along. I believe that below decks will be a cozy place this winter, even when the temperature dips. We will close in the ends and attach a clear plastic skirt tomorrow.

The story to date...

This is the continuing story of a pinky schooner, purchased in Florida as "Buccaneer" and brought north to Shawville, Quebec, to begin a new life in Canada as "La Revenante". Those interested can follow here the phases of her restoration, and even provide input and advice. You can even come and help if you're in the neighbourhood! The realities of the Canadian winter being what they are, the pace of the work will be determined by the weather, which for a boat, seems appropriate.

In the not so distant past Buccaneer was as she is pictured above. Since being hauled she has had some planking replaced ( and needs more) and her paint stripped below the waterline. The trip from Florida on a flatbed is a story in itself, notable for the fact that NOTHING WENT WRONG! Getting her 24 tons off the float at my partner's farm was another matter.

Here she sits still in Florida but out of the water in April 2005. Six months later we are hurrying to build a structure to keep the snow out! She is beautiful sight, built to be sailed by " a man and a boy", but destined ( we hope) to be sailed by convivial groups of 19th century wannabes.