A visit to this blog revealed a stirring argument in favour of timber sailboats. Unfortunately this came at the expense of the reputation of 'glass/"plastic"/GRP boats, like mine.
The author cited the wondrous voyaging pedigree of Wanderer III under the Hiscocks, then drew the long bow that she doubted any GRP sailboat could do as well.
My little Folkboat is rising 40 years of age and although she hasn't logged anywhere near as many sea miles as Wanderer III (how many boats have?), she has outlasted many timber boats her vintage.
In my modest singlehanded sailing career, I've had two GRP sailboats, and both have been direct takeoffs of an original wooden boat. Designers took great care to ensure overall weight and sail plan matched the original. In many regattas, the timber and GRP Folkboats race side by side. There would be minor difference in detail, especially interior fitout, but basically the same boat except for hull materials.
This brings me to my point, surely the difference between hull materials is a matter of personal choice or even happenstance; you have cash in your pocket, a basic design in mind and you get a good deal on a boat in wood, GRP or steel, and seal the deal.
Our original blogger rails against elitist sailing, fair enough it should be open to all, but I believe her arguments against GRP smack of needless discrimination that is essentially motivated by personal choice. Sail what you bring to the sea I say.
8))
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