Art's new gig….

Orion & Art - ready to sail!

Ran into Art Lohrey last weekend – he tells me that he and stepson Orion Powell have set up a new business or two – he’s got a day sail company with San Juan Classic Day Sailing, which complements his other gig, Phoenix Boat Works – restoring wooden boats.

Here’s a little bit from his website:

With a passion for sailing and boats, (particularly traditional wooden boats) and a desire to play a part in the preservation and sharing of these vanishing “works of art”, we opened Phoenix Boats Works. Our goal is to restore Classic wooden boats to their original condition and beauty. In offering these handcrafted vessels for charter, they once again can be used and appreciated for the purpose they were made for. And our part of the circle is completed.

Wooden boats, though not the nightmare or hassle and maintenance they are rumored to be, do demand and deserve regular care and attention. They don’t fit in glass boxes very well and something that is used and appreciated is something that is taken care of. That’s where you and the chartering becomes part of the circle.

We hope to help foster and maintain an awareness and appreciation of our maritime heritage, our natural and pristine environment, and the fine works of some of the great yacht designers of the past.

A day sail, by its very nature, is a perfect and simple venue to experience the joy of sailing, the beauty of the craft, and the magnificence of our marine environment. No need to make huge plans, provision, pack, etc., etc.. Just step on the boat, raise the sails, and go where the wind takes you, if just for the moment. Our boats are offered as skippered charters and you are welcome to participate hands on as much as you like in sailing the boat. Or, just sit back with a cup of coffee or tea, relax and take in the sights, sounds and feelings of being on the water. Either way, a memorable and exciting way to be a part.

Sailing, of any sort, is a native activity to respect our “loved to death”, and “survival challenged” marine mammal cohabiters of our islands.

Some of our boats are available for new stewardship [sale]. We can arrange to provide ongoing care for the vessels, and the option of keeping them active in the “fleet”, on a schedule of your choosing, is available. We have other boats “awaiting in the wings” for restoration. Maybe one of them strikes your fancy. That completes the circle. And you can be a part of it.

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