History of the Europe Dinghy from Classic Classes by Vanessa Bird.
My Dutch friend, René de la Rie, sent along photos of his stunning wooden Europe which is not a Roland or Christalli but a Tebberman. Tebberman was known primarily for his rudders and centerboards, and only built a few Europe Dinghies, but what lookers his Europe Dinghies were! Beautiful deep mahoganies were matched with contrasting lighter inlays to create masterpieces.
George A of Mid-Atlantic Musings also owns a Galetti woodie Europe. Whilst not as stunning as a Tebberman the Galetti hull is still very pretty. Galetti was an Italian builder on the southern shore of Lake Garda. He was more famous for his 505's and Quarter Tonners. Over at his blog George A tries to identify the builder of his "woodie" Europe dinghy. George unveiled his woodie Europe with a new Bosquet foredeck at this year's Brigantine regatta.
Redecking a glass Europe hull.
Wow, they are gorgeous......!
ReplyDeleteDang! Better than furniture!
ReplyDeleteWhat is interesting here is that we assume ipso facto that FGlass is fast and that is it. This is a moot point. It is interesting that there is a bit of a return to wooden OK dinghies because 'Woodies' have been winning, and winning well lately in the World Championships and other major races.
ReplyDeleteSo I think the jury is still out regarding what wins - BUT from my own personal point of view Wood wins every time, in every way - glass is last.
I find it hard to 'love' a glass dinghy; therefore my commitment to it and getting the best out of it is lesser than it is for a beautiful wood dinghy. I am glad to see the resurgence of wood in classes like the OK, and it saddens me to visit the many sailing clubs all over the UK when I go back, littered with all glass boats; and usually the wood ones are sitting sadly rotting away under the trees. (I guess if you own a wooden dinghy you would most likely store it at home in the garage) I guess that's why I love the Merlin Rocket - so many stunning 30+ yr-old boats still sailing, lovingly cared for.....
ReplyDeleteMike
As I mentioned in the post about my Tweezer Classic Moth, a beautiful wooden boat is a great conversation starter, even with someone who owns an old fiberglass bathtub. There is something about varnished wood that just attracts people to come over and talk boats.
ReplyDeleteHello, depuis quelques années maintenant je suis l'heureux propriétaire de l'Europe Tebbertman qu'avais René de la Rie. Je n'ai que du plaisir à naviguer sur un si bel Europe tout en bois que j'ai restauré avec grand pour le garder encore longtemps aussi, et même bien plus performants UE des coques en fibres...
ReplyDeleteGoogle translation from previous comment:
ReplyDeleteHello, for a few years now I have been the proud owner of the Tebbertman Europe that René de la Rie had. I have had the pleasure to sail on such a beautiful Europe all in wood that I have restored with great effort to keep around for a long time. Wood is much more efficient material than fiberglass hulls.
In the 70-ties I sailed a Roland, SWE 449. It had wooden exkl the hull that was maid of grp.
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering if there are any one such or similar for sale?
I live in Sweden so if you know someone who wants to sell please mail me on:
lyftet14@yahoo.se
Bosse in "Westbay"