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(January,
2000) The first truckload of lumber arrives in the parking
lot adjacent to the Los Angeles Maritime Museum. The lot will
be transformed into the "Brigantine Boatworks." |
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Work begins on the keels, made from South African purpleheart.
Workshops are established in tents around the boatyard. Bleachers
are set up on the sidewalk. Visitors get a close-up look as the
shipwrights demonstrate traditional wooden ship building skills. |
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(August,
2000) With the keels and lead ballast in place, framing
is underway. |
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(April,
2001) The bow begins to take shape as the ship's ribs are
bent into place. |
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(August,
2001) Strakes extend above what will become the main
deck on the Exy Johnson. Hull planking is well underway.
|
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(December,
2001) Masts for the Twin Brigantines begin to take shape,
carved on-site in the shadow of the two hulls. |
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(January,
2002) The main deck on Irving Johnson. The bowsprit
has yet to be installed, but the windlass is in place as work
continues on the forward hatch coaming. |
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(March,
2002) Most of the hull planking is now complete. |
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Oakum
is forced between the planks to make the hull watertight. |
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This
is where the "Whiskey Plank" will be installed, marking
a significant milestone in the construction of the vessels. |
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(April,
2002) The scaffolding is removed in preparation for launch.
The hulls have been painted and large dollies are in place beneath
the vessels for towing to the launch site. |
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(April
27, 2002) Robert Johnson (Irving's son) and Exy Johnson
christen the Irving Johnson just before launch. |
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Cranes
lower the hulls into the water for the first time.
Much
remains to be done before the ships are ready for service. Masts
and interiors are yet to be installed. Plumbing and electrical
systems are being designed and the official Commissioning is still
nearly two years away. |
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Afloat
for the first time, the Twin Brigantines are moved to a dock adjacent
to the Maritime Museum. Construction will continue soon at their
new home in the Washorn Basin. |
