The Shipwrights
Coronet is being restored by a team of shipwrights led by Jeff Rutherford. The group currently consists of Eric Thesan from South Africa,
Chris Morrison from New Zealand,
Leo Bronder-Giroux, most recently from Maine, and
Claes Batley from The Saltwater Conch Republic (aka Key West, FL).
Jeff is the owner of Rutherford’s Boatshop in California.
He recently finished a restoration of the steam yacht, Cangarda.
You can see a video about her restoration here, and some excellent photos of her restoration here.
And lastly, not exactly a Coronet shipwright, the guy who writes this blog.
I’m a boat carpenter currently working with McClave, Philbrick & Giblin in Mystic CT. I also detail the progress of the students at the International Yacht Restoration School as they go through their programs on the school’s blog.
I assume that the people who read about yachts like Coronet have a great fondness for both the boats and the craftsmanship involved in making them. At the same time, most of you probably aren’t builders, so I’ll try to explain terms as I go. At one time I made a glossary of boatbuilding terms, and you may find that useful as well. With any luck, you’ll soon be able to rattle off the difference between a trunnel and a trammel at Pub Trivia Night and totally impress some sweet young thing.
-Tom Daniels
Tom,
Can you give us an update; I visited the Coronet last fall (2009) with Jeff Rutherford. I hope to return again soon to the Newport Area. I was involved in Bob McNeil’s other prize the Cangarda. I designed much of the propulsion automation on her. It was from Bob and Jeff that I first learned of this project. Just fascinated to see the progress.
Gary Gillen
Hey Gary,
Sorry, I’ve been a blog slug. I’ve got tons of photos and hope to get them up very soon. Thanks for stopping by.
Tom