Whilst this blog is about Norwalk Islands Sharpies, you will see my love of Iain’s boats threaded throughout. There is no doubt that his designs are foundational to me. Not only did his Whilly Boat draw me into boat building, but every single one of his designs, at some time, has stopped my in my tracks and held me for a time. Iain’s work proves that plywood can be made to dance the most beautiful dances.
I would argue that both Iain and Bruce Kirby approached epoxy plywood boat construction from different but highly effective directions. It is fabulous what they have given us.
A lot has been written about Iain since his passing on February 21st 2024, and I am keen not to repeat others’ words, I’d encourage you to read further at these links:
https://smallboatsmonthly.com/article/iain-oughtred/
https://www.pbo.co.uk/news/iain-oughtred-tribute-84692
https://www.watercraft-magazine.com/iain-oughtred/
I spent a few days around Iain at the 2011 Australian Wooden Boat Festival and found him to be a gentle soul who has but an inkling as to his effect on the world. He was very quiet and carried a wry smile. I had corresponded with him back in 1988 when modifying the sail plan to his Whilly Boat design, he was kind, but I expect I elicited an eye-roll that most designers should save for us ‘modifiers’.
In the Greek style, gods are human-like and raw, and accomplish heroic feats. Iain is one of my gods.
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