Building Elsi

Click on any image to enlarge it.

: The Ketch Tahiti. This is a copy of Weston Farmers original plan for Tahiti with a ketch rig. Elsi Arrub was rigged as a cutter – a single mast with two headsails.

: Original interior plans for the ketch Tahiti.

: Before Elsi could be built I had to dig out a pit to set the keel in and extend the shed as well.

: Welding up the first frames

: Making up the keel

: Hull and deck frames set up

: All the frames now in place.

: Stem and frames all set up.

: Nearly finished plating

: Last of the plating getting done.

: Welding steel plates on over the frames

: Launch day! Getting Elsi out of the shed.

: Marilyn cracked the champagne over the bow and unveiled the name

: Elsi’s first taste of salt water.

: Aboard Elsi in 1987