Around San Pedro - LeeUran.com

Building the Brigantines - Part Two

	(May 17, 2002) On an overcast morning and under their own power the Twin Brigantines (Irving Johnson in the background, aboard Exy Johnson) are "sailed" down the Main Channel in Los Angeles harbor from the Maritime Museum to Washorn Basin.
	(June, 2002) Work continues, now in two locations. At the Brigantine Boatworks shipyard masts are being assembled. At Washorn Basin, work progresses on the interior of the vessels.
	With the Brigantines gone there's plenty of room for the mast components to be laid out, assembeled, and the rigging attached.
	Below deck, the ceiling in the main cabin begins to take on a more finished look as paint and varnish are added. The main mast will soon be mounted through the opening above.
	(July, 2002) Housing for the forward companionway rises above the deck on Exy Johnson. The chainplates along the side of the ship will serve to anchor the standing rigging when the masts are stepped.
	On July 24, 2002 with the ships gone and the mast assemblies removed to the Washorn Basin site, the Brigantine Boatworks shipyard was no longer needed. Within two weeks of this photo the lot was cleaned, the fence removed and ample free parking was available once again for visitors to the Maritime Museum. The billboard for the project only provided a hint at what had gone on here during the previous 18 months. The Boatworks' "living history" exhibit gave visitors a glimpse of traditional shipbuilding skills practiced routinely in San Pedro 100 years ago.
	(August, 2002) Railing around the stern on Irving Johnson. Deck houses are partially complete. And after a few months exposed to the elements the pre-launch paint job could using some touching up!
	Yet another overcast, August day in the Washorn Basin with Fort MacArthur in the background. In a few days the masts will be stepped and the Twin Brigantines will more resemble the "tall ships" they're designed to be.

Continued...