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The Artful Sailor

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The Artful Sailor

READY ABOUT! (short tack)
The Artful Sailor is a Whole Earth Nautical Supply that promotes and perpet Ditty bags of that design soon appeared all over the world.
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(long tack)
The Artful Sailor is a Whole Earth Nautical Supply that evolved from the sailing, sailmaking and nautical writing career of Emiliano Marino and was founded by Pamela-Sue Alvarado. Beginning with Marino's 19th century, New England, family seafaring history and his childhood sailing experiences, his sail related evolution progressed to a sailmaking apprenticeship in 1974, in San Diego, C

A. Over the course of time, Marino went on to establish-or be party to the establishment of-several sail lofts and write a pamphlet entitled The Sailmaker's Dozen. Of global impact was a two-part article he wrote in 1979-80 for Woodenboat Magazine (Issues #31, #32), A Ditty Bag Apprenticeship. It was a hands-on fundamental course in traditional sailmaking techniques. They are still seen and made today. A similar bent was pursued through a how-to, question and answer column entitled The Sail Doctor that Marino wrote for Small Craft Journal Magazine in the late 1980's. That, in turn, led to the writing and 1995 publication of the authoritative and now widely known sailmaking treatise, The Sailmaker's Apprentice: A Guide For the Self-Reliant Sailor. The book, now in print for over 20 years, features a reprise of A Ditty Bag Apprenticeship and is intended to preserve traditional sailmaking skills. Soon thereafter, Marino revived The Sail Doctor; but in Small Craft Advisor magazine, published in Port Townsend, WA. In 2016, The Sail Doctor was re-entitled The Artful Sailor and provided with a new logo. In an easygoing way, the popular column expounds on all aspects of rigging, working and maintaining small sailing craft. With the new logo and its associated T-shirt came the inspiration for Alvarado to establish The Artful Sailor as the Whole Earth Nautical Supply it is today. The Artful Sailor is located in Port Townsend, WA, a Victorian seaport with thriving maritime trades and a large sailing community.

06/15/2024

Eve o’ the 4th Concert!

Key City Public Theatre and Artful Sailor Productions present a parking lot dance party with Christa Holbrook and Greased Lightning to benefit KCPT’s youth education programs.

With renowned performer and KCPT staff member Christa Holbrook herself fronting the band this party’s gonna be off the charts! Christa’s soulful adaptation of songs such as Little Richard’s I’m Just a Lonely Guy and her jumpin’ interpretation of Anne Cole’s I Got My Mojo Workin’ reincarnate the spirit of vintage Rock ‘n’ Roll.

The group is led by Raven the “Rockin’ Fossil” accompanied by Salty Sue on bass, Peter “the Beater” Ross on drums along with Denise Winter on sax, Isaac “Jazz” Jasinski on bass, and some doo-woppin’ KCPT staff.

Everyone under the sun is welcome to attend this concert featuring food, bevs, and games! Rain or shine the rockin’ will be fine; sizzlin’ summer fun with surf, rockabilly and R&B dance music. Bring your friends, the family, your co-workers and neighbors to KCPT’s super summer wing ding with a huge dance floor, and a sky high ceiling!

Come shake your tail feathers for two solid hours of celebration and uplifting entertainment; a regular rockin’ roller coaster ride of emotion, nostalgia, and fun all to make artful experiences possible for our County’s youth!

All proceeds will go to the Christa Holbrook Youth Education Fund, which serves to build programs that bring the creativity and passion of theater to the lives of Jefferson County students, and inspires the kinds of careers and lifelong participation in the arts that Christa embodies.

$65 to reserve one of 20 Tailgate spots (including our 4 ADA spaces) and suggested donation of $35 for individual tickets. Food truck along with beverages from our bar available on-site. This ONE NIGHT ONLY benefit concert event takes place Wednesday, July 3rd at 5:30pm at Key City Public Theatre. More information can be found at kcpt.co. Box office: 360-385-KCPT.

06/12/2024

Salty Sue says . . .
“Not only do we facilitate workshops to teach traditional handsewing skills, but we provide DIY kits, traditional tools, materials and sailor’s knives. Visit www.theartfulsailor.com to start, or build on, your artful sailor skills.”

06/12/2024

Don’t Give Chafe a Chance!
Salty Sue says . . .
“Do you need to protect your oars and spars from chafe? The Artful Sailor has 6/7 oz. Latigo leather in stock; perfect for your project. We have all the materials for you to do the work yourself, or you can have The Artful Sailor do the job expertly and expeditiously. Stop by The Artful Sailor shop, give a call or email us. www.theartfulsailor.com . Don’t give chafe a chance!”

05/18/2024

Captain Sailblower says . . .
“Jeezum, I think my mains’l is ‘bout blown out! I better take the measurements an’ hie on over to The Artful Sailor; see what they’ve got in the Sail Exchange. Come to think of it, they probably also have something that’d make a good awning, bag or cover. Aye, an’ while I’m at, this’d be a good time to survey and repair my other sails; The Artful Sailor can do that, too. Now, aloft with ye an’ get down those rags!”

05/16/2024

The Golden Rule will be making her way back to the Salish Sea this Summer. The famed symbol of nuclear disarmament and her crew will be sailing by Port Townsend during the week of July 22. "Goldie" will be docked in the Port Ludlow Marina before heading down to a "Boats by Bangor" event on July 27. Let's welcome The Golden Rule to the Salish Sea with a flotilla of greeters in Port Townsend Bay! If you would like to be a greeter or participate in the "Boats by Bangor" peace event, check back on The Artful Sailor FaceBook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/theartfulsailor/ . Also visit the Golden Rule Project: http://www.vfpgoldenruleproject.org/ .

The Golden Rule is a project of Veterans For Peace. We aim to advance VFP opposition to nuclear weapons and war, and to do so in a dramatic fashion. We have recovered and restored the original peace ship, the Golden Rule, that set sail in 1958 to stop

05/16/2024

The Golden Rule will be making her way back to the Salish Sea this Summer. The famed symbol of nuclear disarmament and her crew will be sailing by Port Townsend during the week of July 22. “Goldie” will be docked in the Port Ludlow Marina before heading down to a “Boats by Bangor” event on July 27. Let’s welcome The Golden Rule to the Salish Sea with a flotilla of greeters in Port Townsend Bay! If you would like to be a greeter or participate in the “Boats by Bangor” peace event, check back on The Artful Sailor FaceBook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/theartfulsailor/ . Also visit the Golden Rule Project: http://www.vfpgoldenruleproject.org/ .

05/08/2024

Visit us online or in person!

04/30/2024

04/20/2024

What on Earth Day
What on Earth’s going on? Going on 7 years now The Artful sailor has endeavored to provide sails, services and nautical gear with a wholistic approach to having a healthy planet. The effort involves alotta reuse, repurposing, natural materials and going against the flow in order to make everything involved healthy and sustainable rather than simply make profit and money. Plus, we do it punctually, expeditiously, with gratitude and a smile. We are part of a network of people who put their action where their mouth is, if you catch my meaning. Everyday’s Earth Day at The Artful Sailor and you might say this particular Earth Day is a rebirthday; a renascence and renewal of effort to continue building a whole and healthy world. Smooth sailing Earthmates!

04/20/2024

What on Earth Day
What on Earth's going on? Going on 7 years now The Artful sailor has endeavored to provide sails, services and nautical gear with a wholistic approach to having a healthy planet. The effort involves alotta reuse, repurposing, natural materials and going against the flow in order to make everything involved healthy and sustainable rather than simply make profit and money. Plus, we do it punctually, expeditiously, with gratitude and a smile. We are part of a network of people who put their action where their mouth is, if you catch my meaning. Everyday's Earth Day at The Artful Sailor and you might say this particular Earth Day is a rebirthday; a renascence and renewal of effort to continue building a whole and healthy world. Smooth sailing Earthmates!

04/17/2024

The Universe works in mysterious ways.

04/13/2024

May Day! May Day! SOS!
Yowzer! The cherry trees are in bloom! Aye, it's comin' on May Day, The 7th Anniversary of The Artful Sailor Whole Earth Nautical Supply, Sail Services & Exchange; an' it's time to see our shop! On Saturday, May 3rd, we'll be hosting a festive open house with live music (12:30-3:30) and a demonstration of signal flag making by the Queen of the sewing machine and textile artist, Dee Bayley. Rain or shine, SOS = See Our Shop! Saturday, May 3rd, at Point Hudson, by the Skate Park.

04/11/2024

The How to Tie and Display Nautical Knots Workshop is scheduled for Sat. August 3rd at The Artful Sailor. The workshop, presented by tall ship sailor and marlinspike artist Chip G. Knots, will be a fun, fascinating and useful full day class providing knot savvy sailors and lubbers alike with background, advanced skills and personal instruction in the creation of their own, unique, take-home cordage display. For details and to register: www.theartfulsailor.com/on-the-horizon .

04/10/2024

Blooper!
How does a sail come to be called a "Blooper"? Maybe cause that swoopy heads'l, used to balance a spinnaker, bloops out. Or was it because the blooper was considered by some sailors to be a real blooper, a nautical faux pas, a laughable miscreant more trouble than it was worth? But, are you a blooper groupy? Well, a fine specimen of the blooping species has come into The Artful Sailor's sail exchange. It's in excellent condition and ready to bloop ya to new realms of speed and downwind daring do. A whole passel of big spinnakers have come in, too; one brand spankin' new with a super snuffin' sock. Spin an' bloop; It's time to fly with the wild ones!

04/09/2024

Oaracular Input
Pine Tar Pete says . . .
“Way enough! I’m gotta put my oar in here for an alternative to leather for chafing gear, at least on oars. One might say the end of an era is looming and that plant-based protection is the way of the future. All the components you see here are cotton and the installation required no more time and skill than the same techniques in leather. We’ll see, but I believe the leather-free method will be as weather and chafe resistant. Both methods require frequent lubrication. But what to use instead of tallow?”

04/09/2024

Makers Alert!
The possibilities for making things out of used sails are endless! Tote bags, awnings, covers, duffel bags,
art projects, tapestries, curtains, colorful event decorations; you name it, we have a loftful of sails with good cloth and lots of character to fulfill your artistic and practical vision. Do it yourself, or have us make your used sail concept a reality. You'll have it made in the shade with your self-made sail awning!

03/30/2024

Bloomin’ Begonias!
For seven years now The Artful Sailor has been in operation, but this is the first time that the begonias in the shop have come on to bloom! It’s beginning to look like a plant nursery in here with all the prolific spider plants, dragon tree, philodendron, orchid and begonias! That’s what ya get when ya have a compassionate sailmaker with a green thumb. In fact, everything’s bloomin’ ‘round here: the cherry trees, the garden, the recently reopened Pt. Hudson Marina and the boating. It’s Spring, we’re blossoming; we’ve so much to celebrate.

03/28/2024

TASWENS ‘n’ LEAF

Flash! For them what’re pulling for the fame and big bucks in the upcoming Seventy/48 (human powered boat race from Tacoma to Port Townsend), it will come as a great relief to know that at least they will not have to be trying to keep up with Speedo Marino and TASWENS the wonder dory. Says Speedo, “ I got my new oars made an’ all, but turns out the Classic Mariner’s Regatta is occuring at the same time as the 70/48. Now, I know I could row down to Tacoma and race back in time to catch the start of the regatta on Saturday, the 1st of June; but that might be spreadin’ myself a little thin. So, I’ll forego the somewhat torturous 70/48 in favor of rompin’ with my wooden Sunfish, LEAF. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who offered up enthusiasm and encouragement for TASWENS. Please transfer your support over to LEAF’s participation in the Mariner’s Regatta and two days of sporty, wet skittlin’ under sail!

In the meantime, however, TASWENS will not sit idle. Are there any prospective 70/48 pullers out there who want to get in a little practice by circumnavigating Marrowstone Island with me? Lemme know! “

03/27/2024

New Life for an Old Lifeboat!
Some events, misleadingly called elections, are completely rigged. However, revival of the rigging aboard SV Dorjun, an historic, wooden lifeboat conversion under the stewardship of Emilia Ramsey, is an honest, above board endeavor. Here you see Emilia having fun, working hard and learning a lot as she makes a meticulous and methodical evaluation of the rig’s materials, condition, details and seaworthiness.

With the help of Emiliano Marino, at The Artful Sailor’s loft, it was determined that there’ll be a fair amount of time, expertise and expense involved in obtaining the materials and doing the work of restoring Dorjun’s traditional rig; some pieces can be rejuvenated, others must be replaced and everything needs protection and maintenance. It’ll take a gang to get Dorjun’s rigging together!

https://nwmaritime.org/youth-programs/dorjuns-new-adventure/

GoFundMe: https://theartfulsailor.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4318b1fe0fad5c6132481fce4&id=715bb47269&e=913bead453
www.theartfulsailor.com

03/26/2024

Dorjun at The Artful Sailor
Look what the March wind blew in! Emilia Ramsey, owner and skipper of the converted lifeboat Dorjun has, with friends and family, been modifying and restoring the historic vessel. In further preparation for launching and sailing Dorjun, Emilia has been surveying the rigging and Falconer-made cotton sails in The Artful Sailor’s loft. A traditional wooden boat, rig and sails in the right hands, in the right place and at the right time, Spring! There’s lots to learn and do. https://www.dorjun.com/about_dorjun.html FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122135905154007482&set=pcb.122135910068007482
GoFundMe: https://theartfulsailor.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4318b1fe0fad5c6132481fce4&id=715bb47269&e=913bead453

03/26/2024

Spring Makeover
New as a coat of paint! With a deft hand and discerning eye, Bryan Potter of Potter's Painting, applies a new look to The Artful Sailor's sail loft and store entrance. A grand thing for a Spring celebration of The Artful Sailor's 7th year in operation. The sun is as hard on wood as it is on sails; protection and regular maintenance go a long way towards a prolonged life and saving money.
And speaking of a deft hand and keen eye, behold our new SAILMAKER sign by the door! Like the sign above the door, it was designed and painted by Nick Mann of Whalesong Signs.

03/26/2024

Spring Makeover
New as a coat of paint! With a deft hand and discerning eye, Bryan Potter of Potter’s Painting, applies a new look to The Artful Sailor’s sail loft and store entrance. A grand thing for a Spring celebration of The Artful Sailor’s 7th year in operation. The sun is as hard on wood as it is on sails; protection and regular maintenance go a long way towards a prolonged life and saving money. And speaking of a deft hand and keen eye, behold our new SAILMAKER sign by the door! Like the sign above the door, it was designed and painted by Nick Mann of Whale Song Signs.

03/21/2024

The How to Tie and Display Nautical Knots Workshop originally scheduled for April 6 at The Artful Sailor has been rescheduled to Saturday, August 3rd. The workshop, presented by tall ship sailor and marlinspike artist Chip G. Knots, will be a fun, fascinating and useful full day class providing knot savy sailors and lubbers alike with background, advanced skills and personal instruction in the creation of their own, unique, take-home cordage display. Check for updates, details and to register: www.theartfulsailor.com/on-the-horizon .

Address

410 Washington Street (by The Skate Park)
Port Townsend, WA
98368

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	1pm - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm

Telephone

+13603448120

Website

https://www.theartfulsailor.com/

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Videos

Heavin' Is Believin' Salty Sue says . . . "Great gang and great weather! We had a heavin' good time at yesterday's Heaving Line Workshop. Kits available at The Artful Sailor shop or online. Handsewing and sewing machine skills workshops comin' up in October! Visit: www.theartfulsailor.com " #theartfulsailor #heavinglines

Salty Sue says . . . "Smilin' Sea Sprites! Capt. Chrissy and her crew from the Northwest Maritime Center's Girls' Boat Project came aboard for a fun-filled Turk's-Head tying class. Everyone learned the practical and ornamental knot, then went home with their own tarred hemp, Turk's-Head bracelet or anklet, tied on them by a classmate. Two brilliantly innovative sea sprites originated a way to simultaneously tie each other's bracelets! Young women having fun, learning traditional skills at The Artful Sailor. Salty is as salty does!"

Team Artful Sailor on Foss Waterway

The Story of TASWENS and the Showdown on the Sound (Part 10) Salty Sue says . . . "After arriving in Tacoma on Friday, June 8th, Emiliano spent the next day airing things out, and reorganizing for the return trip 2 days away. A family of geese insisted on overseeing the process and kept him company. I arrived in Tacoma on Sunday, June 10th and was very happy to wrap my arms around Speedo. We spent the day taking care of race registration, obtaining the required tracker and learning race protocol. A highlight was meeting some of the other participants in the race. There was quite a mix of water craft ranging from SUPs, kayaks, canoes, dinghies and racing shells to a few more tradition boats like TASWENS. It was an atmosphere of comraderie and celebration. Everyone seemed to feel like they were part of something special - which they were - since this was the inaugural 70/48 race, with probably many more to come. Team Artful Sailor's race number was 35 which we stuck on TASWENS and also on the back of Speedo's PFD. The required electronic tracking device was lashed to the foreward thwart. Finally, it was time for a good dinner and rest. Race day was Monday, June 11th. It was beautiful weather on Foss Waterway. Emiliano had plenty of time to make sure he was ready for the return voyage to PT. He also had time to just sit back, do interviews, shoot the breeze with curious visitors and relax. I think that was a challenge because he just wanted to get on with the row. In preparation for a 5:30 pm race start, 118 race teams began to jockey for position around 4:30 pm. There was much excitement in the air and ALOT of boats in a narrow waterway. At 5:30 pm the horn blew and they were off. Some serious racers were over the start line in a flash, while the more easy going participants happily started rowing, paddling and pedaling. It only took 5 minutes for everyone to cross the starting line. Team Artful Sailor was in the middle of the fleet and on the way!

The Story of TASWENS and the Showdown on the Sound (Part 8) Salty Sue says . . . "Departure day arrived. Wednesday, June 6th at 5:30 a.m. Emiliano and I headed down to launch TASWENS at the NW Maritime Center, as we had done many times before. This time feels different. The sun was just rising and it was a glorious morning. Emiliano did a final check to make sure he had everything he would need. All was ready. Focused on the journey to Tacoma, he slid TASWENS into the water. We embraced and I made him promise he would return safely. He started rowing south and was grateful for a NW wind. I stood on the dock and listened to Emiliano sing as he pulled, watching him until he was just a small dot far out on Port Townsend Bay. Part 9 is next ! "

The Story of TASWENS and the Showdown on the Sound (Part 5) Salty Sue says . . . "Now it's time to start training! We entered the 70/48 human-powered race as Team Artful Sailor. Our good friend, Marty Loken, entered as Team Geezer. Together, the two teams trained for something they didn't even know if they could finish. One training mission was around Marrowstone and Indian Island (20 miles). Well, that sent the message home that they both needed to get in shape! They agreed they were not entering this race for the competition, but for the camaraderie and experience, and called themselves "brothers in oars". Marty supported Team Artful Sailor in many ways. From the very beginning his detailed race strategy proved to be invaluable. The loan of his dolly was crucial; we had to pull the boat from our shop in the sail loft building down to the NW Maritime Center each time we launched. Compared to carrying the boat, the dolly made it a piece of cake. I was also a very important part of the training. I served as Emiliano's training weight on several rows. Glad I could help! We enjoyed rowing over to Mystery Bay, Rat Island and out to Point Wilson on Earth Day with our Earth flag flying. It was in Mystery Bay that Emiliano proved TASWENS to also be a fine SUD (Stand Up Dory). He didn't get the name Speedo Marino for nothin'! Come back for Part 6 tomorrow ! "

The Story of TASWENS and the Showdown on the Sound (Part 4) Salty Sue says . . . "In the following weeks, there was alot of thought, preparation, calculation and planning ahead for the 70/48. TASWENS had no inwale, so Emiliano attached ropes to brass strap-eyes to create an inwale for lashing gear. Canvas pocket cloths were hand sewn and seized to the inwale ropes. The pocket cloths were extremely handy for holding many items within easy reach. A space was created under the stern seat for a Mantus anchor and rode. Oarlocks and oars were leathered and Turk's head buttons made on each oar. All of these details were done by hand, using the techniques found in The Sailmaker's Apprentice. Part 5, comin' up ! "

Salty Sue says . . . " Well....the Showdown on the Sound 70/48 boat race is over. Team Artful Sailor arrived safely back in Port Townsend at 9:15 am on June 13th, rang the bell and pulled #93. What a relief! Now it's time to rest and reflect on all the hard work that went into the race. Many people have admired and expressed interest in the details and handwork they see on our dory, TASWENS. I want to share the process with you. Please follow the story as I chronologically post our process here on FaceBook. The Story of TASWENS and the Showdown on the Sound (Part 1) When Emiliano and I first heard about the Showdown on the Sound 70/48 human-power boat race, we set out to find the right boat for the race; for promotion and for just messin' about. We found a 15.5' Phil Bolger design Gloucester Gull dory, and proceeded to make her our own. She needed some work, modifications and commissioning. First, she went to Rick Myers' shop for some minor repairs. The dory then resided in the middle of our shop down at Point Hudson in Port Townsend, where we got to work! Ryleigh, one of the Beetle cats, immediately jumped in and gave her approval. The sanding, priming, waterline and painting took us a month. Stay tuned for Part 2 ! "

Working a traditional manila rope fender.

Showdown Alert! Salty Sue says . . . " Team Artful Sailor's ready to rumble in 12 days! From Fender guitars and surf music to manila rope fenders and long distance rowing, Emiliano Marino of Team Artful Sailor will rock 'n' roll at the 70/48 Showdown on the Sound ! Come along side and raft on up ! Float like a jellyfish, sting like a ray ! " Predict Team Artful Sailor's day & time of race finish and win a copy of The Sailmaker's Apprentice. Submit your guess at Contact Us: www.theartfulsailor.com Follow Team Artful Sailor and general race developments at: www.theartfulsailor.com Facebook.com/theartfulsailor www.seventy48.com

TASWENS the SUD!

Showdown Alert! Team Artful Sailor's getting ready to rumble in 18 days! Watch out SUPs, here comes TASWENS the SUD ! Float like a jellyfish, sting like a ray ! Predict Team Artful Sailor's day / time of race finish and win a copy of The Sailmaker's Apprentice. Submit your guess at Contact Us: www.theartfulsailor.com Follow Team Artful Sailor and general race developments at: www.theartfulsailor.com Facebook.com/theartfulsailor www.seventy48.com