RASCAL
36' Catalina Sloop
"Rascal", Our Basic Sail Training Vessel
Catalina 36’, 1988, Standard Height Rig,
Tabernacle Mast, displacement 13,500 lb, beam 11.9ft
555sq ft sail area, 5’ 10” draft
Catalina 36’, 1988, Standard Height Rig,
Tabernacle Mast, displacement 13,500 lb, beam 11.9ft
555sq ft sail area, 5’ 10” draft
March 2020, only a week before Covid-19 protocol shutdown the bay area, one of our board members (James Johnson) purchased a 1988 Catalina 36' that had great bones but needed some TLC. As the boat was surveyed by Captain Jim Elfers (author of “Bluewater Sailing on a Budget”), James suggested that he wanted to make ‘Rascal’ the best maintained, fastest Catalina 36’ of its vintage in the bay area. Jim Elfers replied, “why stop there, this boat can be the best of its kind in Northern California".
Captain Elfers didn’t realize, but he had set a goal for ‘Rascal’ and her new owner, James. From there, our board member set out to have the fastest, best maintained Catalina 36’ - not realizing that Covid was his best ally since many travel plans and social engagements were canceled . . . all of that extra time and passion for sailing could be poured into Rascal’s rehabilitation.
When Preparation and Opportunity meet:
Nearly a year later, after hundreds of hours of small projects, a new transmission, repaired jib, updated rigging, and replaced dodger, Rascal was beginning to meet her goal. At the same time, Wooden Boats for Veterans had to say goodbye to their primary sail/training boat ‘Valiant’. This left a gap in WBFV sailing indoctrination and training capability - there has to be a path to go from ’newbie’ to confident sailor. Fortunately, Rascal was ready to step up to fill this gap.
Starting March of 2021 Rascal volunteered monthly to take Veterans sailing not only on training missions, but also to provide a spark to the passion for those who may become involved with wooden boat restoration and more sailing with like-minded vets. Our outreach program would love to find other skippers willing to share their sailing experience and passion for being out on the water with the vets who can benefit the most from these programs.
Captain Elfers didn’t realize, but he had set a goal for ‘Rascal’ and her new owner, James. From there, our board member set out to have the fastest, best maintained Catalina 36’ - not realizing that Covid was his best ally since many travel plans and social engagements were canceled . . . all of that extra time and passion for sailing could be poured into Rascal’s rehabilitation.
When Preparation and Opportunity meet:
Nearly a year later, after hundreds of hours of small projects, a new transmission, repaired jib, updated rigging, and replaced dodger, Rascal was beginning to meet her goal. At the same time, Wooden Boats for Veterans had to say goodbye to their primary sail/training boat ‘Valiant’. This left a gap in WBFV sailing indoctrination and training capability - there has to be a path to go from ’newbie’ to confident sailor. Fortunately, Rascal was ready to step up to fill this gap.
Starting March of 2021 Rascal volunteered monthly to take Veterans sailing not only on training missions, but also to provide a spark to the passion for those who may become involved with wooden boat restoration and more sailing with like-minded vets. Our outreach program would love to find other skippers willing to share their sailing experience and passion for being out on the water with the vets who can benefit the most from these programs.
