Classic boats: clean lines, deft construction, proven strength. They’re recognizable across the harbor, across the bay.
What we esteem isn’t a matter of pedigree. Our classic working craft were born out of necessity and practical pressure. And they’re parochial: every workboat is an answer to a specific set of intensely local problems, sometimes emerging from only one stretch of coast, one bay, or even a single port. What excites us is that these solutions, generated out of many hands, many generations of craftsmen, are so persistently useful and beautiful. They are lean, ingenious, apt, and complete; they are elegant.
It’s easy to be agog at Roman aqueducts or Dutch windmills. Surprisingly often, ancient technology blossoms forth with preternatural ingenuity, presenting us with a historically sudden fait accompli of sheer genius. The pyramids are an example of this. Our local accomplishments aren’t so grand, but they are intricately fascinating.
We usually deal with how, but the why is persistent. Why should you care about boats? Because they’re a part of you. Your national heritage of maritime excellence, commerce, adventure, skullduggery, practical necessity, and foolishness is an enormous part of our national character. Alas, we’ve become so wed to pavement that we’ve tossed away our own splendid sea lore. Reclaim your heritage.
—JA