Handmade Dory Being Sold – Project Supports Coastal Preservation in NS
Moves beautifully through the water. A real pleasure to row.
Asking: $4,500
Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia
-Pine bottom (with Locust sacrificial bottom plank)
-0.5” marine grade plywood lapstrake planking
-Oak transom, stem, risers, and gunwales
-Douglas Fir internal framing over bent oak frames
-Pine seats
-Non-ferrous fasteners
-Bronze oarlocks
Read the original story…
Young Adventurer Sets Out to Sea in Hand Built Dory to Celebrate Coastal Preservation in NS Peter L’Esperance departed from Halifax’s Northwest Arm on Aug 1st, 2013 in his hand-crafted dory,to begin a 10 day rowing adventure in support of efforts to protect Nova Scotia’s coastal legacy.
Over the past eight months, Peter has been working in collaboration with his mentor, Eamonn Dorley, Curator of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic’s boat collection, to build his own wooden dory at the museum’s boat shed on the Halifax waterfront.
Peter’s primary goal for the “Row the South Shore”project is to raise funds and awareness for the Nature Trust to help in preserving unique and imperiled coastal lands, for the benefit of generations to come. Since the boat first touched water on June 29th, Peter has been training for his trip, as it is a very physically demanding adventure,
requiring him to row at least 30 km per day.
After the daily training and planning in preparation for the upcoming journey Peter is finally readyy to depart.
“I’ve been dividing my time between training aboard the dory in Halifax harbour in addition to building the remaining components, such as a foot brace and strengthened oak oarlock pads, which will make the craft suitable for an extended rowing passage.”
Peter has also tested the dory in some sea trials between Halifax Harbour and Prospect. “The Swampscott Dory performed exceptionally, rowing well in the face of a moderate swell off Pennant Point and headwinds encountered at the mouth of Prospect Bay.
This exposure to more adverse conditions gives me confidence that the boat will be up for a round trip passage between Halifax and LaHave. ”Hand built at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. 17’ Swampscott dory ‘Gioventu’ built by Peter L’Esperance in 2013 as part of the “Row the South Shore” project to raise funds and awareness for the Nova Scotia Nature Trust. Gioventu was launched on July 1st and completed a rowing trip from Halifax harbour to the LaHave River and back in early August 2013. The boat is now for sale, with proceeds going to the Nature Trust.
The project of building the dory, which began last November, has consumed over 900 hours of volunteer time to date. This morning at 5 am Peter will embark on a ten day journey, rowing the traditional dory over 150 nautical miles solo,from Halifax to the La Have River and back.
When he returns Peter will also sell the dory and donate all proceeds to the Nature Trust.
“We’re really excited to follow Peter’s progress on the trip” said Nature Trust Land Stewardship Coordinator, Alice Morgan.
“We’ll be checking in with him daily and posting updates to our facebook page for the public to keep track as well.
Peter’s strong connection to the coast is evident, and his innovative project is truly inspiring.”
The Nature Trust is leading efforts to save the best of Nova Scotia’s natural landscapes, through land conservation. In partnership with landowners, local communities, volunteers and supporters all across the province, the Nature Trust already protects over 7300 acres and 58 conservation sites, including over 26 coastal sites, with many more exciting coastal conservation projects underway.
Peter will row past four properties protected by the Nature Trust on his trip.
