The bow and stern details of a yachts cove strip are a very important and unique feature. Much research has been done to find clear enough photographs to accurately reproduce these figures. Dorade’s arrow head and feather have been changed many times over the years. With the help of Doug, who is publishing a new book on Dorade, we feel we have enough information to accurately re-carve. Dutchmen were let in to the bow planking to leave a new working surface. The stern is clean enough that no dutchmen were necessary. Carving should begin this week.
Update: As soon as the awlgrip on the topsides was fully cured, Tim started working on the cove stripe. A light sanding of the stripe and arrows provided a tooth for the seizing to adhere to. Tim masked off and painted in this primer. After 12 hours he returned to hand lay the gold leaf. There is no paint or decal that can provide the lustrous classic look of real gold leaf. We are lucky to have Tim, who is so skilled at this very old technique. DORADE is really starting to look fine! Tim will begin the transom lettering as soon as we get a break from this July heat wave.