The Sailor’s Sketchbook

     by Bruce Bingham NA

     While thumbing through the boating section in my local Barnes & Noble, I came across this book. What first caught my attention was the beautiful black and white drawings.

     Nothing, in my opinion, shows the beauty of shape and form, like a well drawn, black and white sketch. And what better subjects of shape and form, than all things nautical. These pictures are beautiful. Even the hand lettered text is pleasing to look at.

     Of course the main propose of this book is to give the reader ideas for do-it-yourself projects around the boat, and it’s loaded with them. Many are geared towards larger boats than our pocket yachts, but a surprising number of them can be adapted to our needs. In fact, some of them seem to be made for our boats.

     Compass mounting, cockpit comings, anchor storage, and cabin accessories, are just a few of the things covered. Page 90 has a beautiful picture of  the trailboard on the starboard side of a clipper bow, along with several ideas for scrollwork patterns. There are also sections on making mock-up patterns, and making things fit. (Very helpful in getting those cabin shelves and cockpit seat parts to fit properly.) There’s also Velcro bug screens, tell-tails, etc. etc. etc.

     I might just have to try  the shockcord, mainsail furling set-up on page 21.

     Mr. Binham has a good sense of humor, and it shows in the drawings. A reoccurring theme on almost every page,  is the ongoing antics of an on-board cat and mouse. The smoking belt sander, laying next to the laminated tiller, that it just finished grinding out, just makes me laugh.

     The book ends with the author’s thoughts on the differences between a boat and a yacht, and a simple yacht owner’s check list, that covers everything from maintenance to yachting etiquette.

     Every time I look through this book, I see something new.

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