The Great Schlep
by Vermont Rice
Erik with the VSFP barge model on West 18th Street, NYC
The further we progress towards launch of the adventure the more convinced I am that we are on the right path, that the time is right. Last week I took to the streets of New York, with a whirlwind of eight sail-freight related meetings in just 36 hours. Something productive came out of every single one. You can see that the 1 12th scale model came along with me, on the train, on the subway, in cabs, and bumping on my back in a great unwieldy wooden box for many, many blocks. It was worth it. Though I am very happy to be home and to have that heavy box in the basement and the model on top of the piano again. The next time the sail freight barge goes to Manhattan, I want it to carry me there and not the other way around!
I learned a lot about the logistics of the lower Hudson and the Port of New York too, including an introduction to mastering the tides and a tour of some likely docking spots. I noted, for instance, from the Metra North Train, that the ice in the Hudson River was moving north on a calm day. Closer to the sea, the forces of tide and current become even more powerful. It may actually be quite a challenge, for instance, to sail from the Hudson to South Street on the East River, because doing so requires that you fight a strong current either to reach the Battery or to work upriver from it. In addition, some of the world’s tallest waterfront buildings baffle the winds and make sailing problematic. Maybe that’s where we hire a tow, or else stick to the Hudson river. We’ll find a way somehow.
Another thing I learned along the way is that a 36 foot boat is actually very small in this setting, and that all the beam-end stability we can get will be to the good. So we’re planning on upping the dimensions somewhat while still staying within the USCG inspection-exempt cargo vessel parameters. The revised dimensions get us a greater cargo capacity without additional crewing requirements, and with some other plusses too, like more headroom in cabins and below decks in the cargo holds.
Another new development is that construction of the barge is now slated to take place start to finish here at Boundbrook Farm, where we have facilities nearly at the ready for a project of this scale. Naturally it makes it more convenient for me to work on and administrate the project too. Before too long we’ll be clearing the shop to begin this exciting project.
Disappointed that we did not meet up when
You were in NYC. Maybe I could meet with you next time or in VT. Keep in touch as I have been investigating potential docking locations and spent the good part of the last 30 years on the Harbor, the Hudson, and East River aboard sailing and power vessels. Andrew
I’m sorry too…but there will be another time. I expect to make at least one more round of visits before launch. We’ll meet up soon, I’m sure. -EA
Great work, Erik! Wonderful to talk about the project with you last night. I sincerely believe this is an important project that will go anywhere your imagination wants to take it.
Thank you Peter, and welcome aboard!
I’m glad you had a successful trip and it’s great to hear that things seem to be falling into place. I’m also very relieved that you have reconsidered the size of the barge itself… that drop from ten to eight feet in beam was a frightening prospect!
Keep up the great work and be proud of it.
Have you considered a “pushboat” similiar to what is used on a skipjack for occasional use to move the vessel when needed and sailing it is not possible ? It could be diesel powered and fueled w/ veg. oil or the like.
Just a thought. I like the project you have come a long way and I will continue to watch . I have been sailing from Florida to te fingerlakes and back every year w/ my family since 2007 aboard our 32′ sloop. we primarily sail and rarely motor. I am interested in freight hauling under sail.
Hi Joe,
Yes, this idea has been discussed. It’s one option, to be sure. At the moment we plan to rig with reliable but modest outboard power and use it as little as possible. This leaves us open to consider further refinements or alternative approaches as we proceed. We don’t need to get everything perfect the first time around, just need to be safe, get there in due course, and learn and adapt as we go forward. EA