Clara May 1891 - Artesania Latina 1:50

[TexBilly]

I'm motivated to revisit this long abandoned kit from 15+ years ago, when I thought I wanted to dive in to this wonderful hobby. That is until life tapped my brakes. Starting a build log seems like a good launch point - or madness since I'm also busy building my 1921 Bluenose Schooner!

There seems to be limited build information on the Clara May or this nice AL kit so in case I missed any valuable intel, feel free to weigh in. Until then, including some quick images of the current situation. P.S. I do recall reading another member looking for plans (for sails perhaps?) so if kits and instructions in the wild are scarce, I'm happy to help out.

 

[MisterCA]

Try the following link for instructions...https://artesanialatina.net/usa/en/p/20-instructions

 

[TexBilly]

Try the following link for instructions...https://artesanialatina.net/usa/en/p/20-instructions

Thanks, I already have the full set of paper instructions.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

I have this kit also, half built from about 20 years ago, when I was new to the hobby. I was lucky, my kit came with a set of pre-sewn sails.

 

[TexBilly]

I have this kit also, half built from about 20 years ago, when I was new to the hobby. I was lucky, my kit came with a set of pre-sewn sails.

That’s nice, Kurt. I wonder if there were different kit options at the time.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

From what I remember from old brain cells, that are almost dead, my local shop at the time had someone who made and sold "sail kits" for several kits they had in stock. Wasn't an option from the manufacture.

 

[Martin By Eye]

Nice little ketch, i wonder if she was part of the armada of small boats that helped out at Dunkirk ? she would have been active and in the right part of the country , it would seem.

 

[TexBilly]

Nice little ketch, i wonder if she was part of the armada of small boats that helped out at Dunkirk ? she would have been active and in the right part of the country , it would seem.

Hi Martin, funny you say that as I was thinking about Dunkirk (the movie) recently and the amazing volunteer mariners who made the evacuation such a success. Perhaps the Clara May was indeed in the mix!

 

[TexBilly]

Have to (re)start somewhere! Dusted off ‘ol’ Clara May and began the fairing process.

 

[TexBilly]

Sorting the single bundle of lumber is a test of patience and problem solving. Not sure if AL could have made the part identification any more complex.

 

[TexBilly]

Started preparing for the base layer of planking by soaking/clamping/training the first plank below the deck line, per instructions. These are THICK planks at this scale! I briefly thought about planing them a bit thinner to gain some flexibility but decided to move on.

 

[TexBilly]

It's been fun to chip away at this nice little boat during natural transitions (currently, paint curing) on my Bluenose. I've already found the variety and change of focus keeps things fresh.

Planking is underway, first two rows attached, third row is being shaped. Beating the thick Samba lumber into submission is a little challenging but nothing too bad. I chose to use CA to secure the planking and skip the provided nails altogether since it's double-planked (attaching its Sapele veneer will be a brand new experience). I see I'll need to trim/fair a few bulkheads at the keel, plus shape the stern where the aft end of the bulwarks will sit.

The confidence I built on my Bluenose hull has made this project a pleasure so far.