Dear Rats, Kala Point neighbors, and friends, We were honored by your presence at the christening and official launching of our new boat “Festina Lente” (make haste slowly). Time is valuable and we sincerely wish to thank you for spending some of yours on our behalf. Many thanks to those of you who cleaned up afterwards and participated in the “car shuffle” so that we could row off to the Sail-In at Port Hadlock. After such a grand send off in her honor the boat was in her element and performed exceptionally through rough waters and calm waters with ease. Rowing steadily and continuously we arrived safely at our destination in a little under an hour and a half. Once again it was a special day for us made absolutely delightful by your enthusiastic and wholehearted participation! Frank and Linda Ward P.S. For those of you that were asking for a copy of the coffee cake recipe, please see the attachment. Bon appetit!
Festina Lente Christening
Saturday, July 16, 2016
NARRATOR: “For thousands of years, we have gone to sea. We have crafted vessels to carry us and we have called them by name. These ships will nurture and care for us through perilous seas, and so we affectionately call them “she.” To them we toast, and ask to celebrate Festina Lente.”
ALL: Then everybody raises their cup: “TO THE SAILORS OF OLD; TO FESTINA LENTE.” Everybody takes a sip.
NARRATOR: “The moods of the sea are many, from tranquil to violent. We ask that this ship be given the strength to carry on. The hull is strong and she keeps out the pressures of the sea.”
ALL: Again the glasses are raised: “TO THE SEA…TO THE SAILORS OF OLD…TO THE SEA!” Everybody takes another sip.
NARRATOR: “Today we come to name this lady Festina Lente, and send her to sea to be cared for, and to care for the Ward family. We ask the sailors of old and the mood of God to accept Festina Lente as her name, to help her through her passages, and allow her to return with her crew safely. I hereby name this boat Festina Lente, may God bless her and all who row her.”
ALL: Again, with the raising of the glasses, “TO THE SEA…TO THE SAILORS BEFORE US…TO FESTINA LENTE.” A last, long sip by all.
Now all pour what remains in their cup over the bow and the narrator lays a branch of green leaves on the deck to ensure safe returns.
Festina Lente – Fast Facts Boat Design: Hull Design: Annapolis Wherry Tandem by Chesapeake Light Craft Interior Design: Frank Ward Length: 239”; Beam: 39”; Draft: 6”; Hull weight: 78 lbs; Boat weight (solo): 116 lbs; Boat weight (tandem): 132 lbs; Load capacity: 650 lbs; Started: September 11, 2015; Completed June 27, 2016 Festina Lente Latin translation = make haste slowly Materials/Components: Strips: Western red cedar (first 4 strakes redwood); bead & cove; Fiberglass cloth: 6 oz exterior, 4 oz interior; Epoxy: West Systems; Hull frames, sliding seat frames, gunnels, riggers, floorboards: Khaya mahogany; Seats: Carbon fiber; Oars: Sitka spruce
Labor (of love): Total hours: 851
Research, jigs, acquisitions: 63 hrs Documentation: 62 hrs Build strongback & molds: 45 ½ hrs Hull shell & deck planking: 82 ½ hrs Hull shell sanding & faring: 55 ½ hrs Interior fiberglassing: 32 ½ hrs Interior build (frames, gunnels, etc.): 170 hrs
Exterior fiberglassing: 32 hrs Exterior build (stem, skeg): 12 hrs Prep/Apply varnish and paint: 98 hrs Build sliding seat frames, riggers, floorboards: 156 hrs Miscellaneous (slings, roof rack extension, etc.): 41 hrs