Jane Johnson writes: The LBT Open Day on October 31,
2021 aims to provide opportunities for “messing about with
boats”, which this Sunday from 11am includes model boats, “Come
and Try” and launching the first figurehead [for our boats]. The figurehead is for “Freyja”
the third St Ayles Skiff built in Franklin in 2016 to celebrate
community rowing. “Imagine” was the first skiff launched in
Australia in 2012 and “Billie” followed suit in 2015. There are
now 30 skiffs proposed for communities throughout Australia, and over
250 in the world, demonstrating that from little things, big things
have grown. One important outcome is that more people are out
‘messing about in boats’. From medieval times a figurehead was
one of the necessary, fascinating aspects of boatbuilding, a
highlight that reinforced ancient shipbuilding and architectural
techniques. A figurehead sometimes provided magical significance and
frequently provided a recognisable feature, an identity for the
vessel. Many people believed it gave protection to the vessel and
crew and the choice of a figurehead was important. A swan represents
grace and mobility and Cygnet skiffies have created an elegant and
easily recognized St Ayles Skiff feature for their community. The Living Boat Trust now has its
own representation of the spirit of a boat. Historically, the Bittern
rowing group achieved a community grant through Westpac and chose the
name as the bird resides in the Egg Island area. The Bittern
figurehead is carved from Huon Pine by Mary-Lou Conway, a skilled
woodworker with a veterinary, hence ornithological background. There
was enthusiasm and patience with the first clay mould created, and
many hours spent reinstating an ancient and creative feature of
wooden boat-building. Dennis Muscovich instigated,
supported and coordinated the project that will also see an eagle
carved for “Imagine” and a profile of Billie the sheepdog
attached to the skiff named in her honour. With this launch the LBT joins the
Augusta community in WA with Pelican and Dolphin creations. Through
carving a figurehead, each St Ayles Skiff will have a unique
community spirit.
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