On March 18 we entered a team in this event, which is part of the Docklands Community programs. Though none of us had ever built a boat before, or had much experience on water, Emma, Asher, Ev and Gary took the plunge.
In two hours, with only the materials supplied, and no power tools, a single-hulled boat was to be constructed, then sailed around a designated course.
We had a great deal of fun; we didn't sink; we didn't finish last; we didn't finish; we were the only ones to try wind power - everyone else built canoes.
Gary observed that we were a good visual parable of the church at the end of the twentieth century: still on the water but going nowhere and unable to catch the winds of the day. Selah
We aim to do better next year.
Read the blog here, here and here for some running comments.
click on the images for a larger size
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...starting from small beginnings |
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and collected ignorance... |
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we built a boat guaranteed not to sink... |
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...relying on wind power |
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and big enough... |
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to carry us all! |
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We hit the water to find we didn't sink... |
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but also that we didn't sail! |
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The back-up option (oars) didn't work either! |
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so while others completed the course, we resorted to other means... |
a beautiful finish! This looks more dangerous than it |
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was, although the catamaran was waiting for us to clear the water!! |
Testing times test our belief by Archbishop Rowan Williams
Meanings of Christmas: In the new world there will be no more sea by N T Wright
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