The Northern Neck Nutshell Racing Association is working hard to grow the fleet—literally.
Racers Bill England and Art Gilbert are now building two of the 9’6” sailing prams in England’s shop in Burgess.
“It’s a ‘Field of Dreams’ sort of thing,” said Gilbert. “If we build it, they will come. By May, we expect to see these boats on the starting line.”
To compete in the regattas, folks have to have a boat. Over the years, the number of boats available has declined as people have moved away or a neglected boat has surrendered to the elements. But enthusiasm for sailing and racing the classic wooden dinghies is up, and so is interest in safe outdoor activities, he said.
Now in its 31st year, most of the early sailors are gone, but new racers have joined the fleet for the fun, competition and camaraderie. Gilbert recounted that after a couple of seasons with only four or five boats competing, last year’s fleet grew to seven, and three more are planning to join in the regattas in 2021.
With the two boats under construction, plus two more that the association members have been able to locate, the group is poised for major expansion, he said.
Thirty years ago, the late Nick England—Bill England’s father—built a Nutshell in the shop at Glebe Point, the first one in the area. It immediately sparked interest among other sailors and cruisers on the river, partly as a sailboat but also because it makes a fine tender for a cruising boat. From that starting point, a fleet grew rapidly, most of them being built in the same shop.
Now Bill England is carrying on the family tradition, which includes older brother John, a renowned wooden boat builder in Rockport, Maine.
“Art and I have spent a lot of time on the phone with John, getting advice on various steps in the process,” said Bill England.
He admitted to a nagging worry that if he builds the boat too well, it could end up beating him on the race course. “I guess I could take some satisfaction from losing to a boat that I built,” added Bill England.
“We welcome visitors who are interested in the boat-building effort, or just to talk sailing,” he said, “Just touch base with me in advance and be sure to wear a mask!”
Bill England can be reached at 410-371-6861, or billengland41@hotmailcom.
