Caring for Dories

By: Chris Barritt, Shoreside Support Manager

In late October the shop quickly filled with gear to be stored, spars to be inspected and oiled, winch parts to be repainted, and dories to be refinished. An inventory of the work to be done and square meters of oil and varnish to be applied before March can be a little intimidating but with hard work from staff, crew, and our dauntless volunteers it all seems to get finished.

Once, quite a few years ago while scraping and sanding a spar at our old site, I received what I took as encouraging words from a salty-looking dock wanderer. By offering encouragement, rather than advice on technique, he confirmed that he was either a true professional or at least an amateur with many years of experience. “A boat doesn’t need to look new,” he said, hands firmly seated in his pockets with thumbs showing, “just cared for.” He nodded approvingly and continued along his way.

It has been particularly enjoyable to see the Swift’s dories getting that treatment. They are now roughly the age of many trainees and, by rough guess, are the veterans of some twelve to fourteen hundred outings where they are lowered, rowed, beached, launched, and hoisted again. The thought of them being rowed by eager trainees on so many short trips as part of a larger adventure makes remedying the effects of a few rough landings on barnacled beaches a joyful task.