Preview: A Sail with Boatbuilder Kit Macchi Aboard Her Bud McIntosh Boat

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Boat builder Kit Macchi brings her own special blend to her afternoon sails along the Eggemoggin Reach. At 24’ feet Kit’s traditional sloop SCOTER sure isn’t very big, but she manages to pack a whole lot of fun into the hours she spends out on the water.

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30 Responses So Far to “A Sail with Boatbuilder Kit Macchi Aboard Her Bud McIntosh Boat

  • Avatar

    Alan Scott says:

    Hi Kit,
    I finally got off my ancient butt and renewed my membeship to OCH. Very nice to open my membership by watching your video of SCOTER. Very nicely done and awakens the longing to be out on The Reach again in summer 2022.
    All Best,
    Doug

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    Timothy Freeman says:

    Was she down in Rockland a few summers ago at the Apprentice Shop dock?

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    Lawrence Stam says:

    Hi Kit. A great video and a great boat! You seem to have some insulators on the backstay. Do you have a backstay antenna for sideband. When the boat was built there were no cell phones or satelite radios.

    I have a Dana 24 which I keep in Port Washington, Long Island Sound. It’s a little boat for a day sail, but a big boat for passages. Looking forward to seeing Scoter and you sailing on the Reach. Best, Larry Stam

    • Avatar

      Kit Macchi says:

      Hello! the boat was originally equipped with Loran and my guess is that that is what the insulators were for.

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    Michael Naumann says:

    Hi, Kit – how sweet it is to watch you sail that wonderful neighbor of ours being sailed off her mooring and out to the Reach! We can’t wait to get back next year! Only seven more months and we’ll go sailing with you, if you’d like to. But then, why switch?!

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      Kit Macchi says:

      Hello Michael! Counting the days until we can sail again!

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    charles parker says:

    I and everybody else giggled along with you…. The joy of sailing alone, then with friends and just the pure joy of being one with your boat…

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    Page Williamson says:

    Hi Kit, I live in Sedgwick on the Benjamin River and can vouch you are a frequent user of Scoter. So glad to get a story to go with your beautiful boat…enjoy watching you tack out….well done…

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    Thomas Buzzi says:

    Wonderful self-realizations! When something fills you up as much as this does for her one feels the developing desire to share it with others. Sharing the mutual experience and then sharing the mutual joy that develops is one of life’s greatest rewards.

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    Marc LaFrance says:

    Awesome video, Thanks for sharing Kit!

    I recall whilst on Vela sailing down the Reach, first seeing Scooter and being totally smitten by her sharp lines. Absolutely gorgeous boat.

    Cheers!

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      Kit Macchi says:

      Thanks Marc! Hopefully next summer we can successfully coordinate a sail!

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    Tom Welch says:

    Kit. Really enjoyed this video. Swifty (Gordon Swift) taught this class with Bud at WB at the same time Swifty was building my boat (he talked a lot about it), and I can spot some Swifty touches. Swifty and Bud were good friends and really enjoyed this project for those very lucky students.
    The “Belford Gray” I think, as first named (someone they both knew).
    When cruising your way I will keep an eye out to say hello.

    • Avatar

      Kit Macchi says:

      Thanks so much for filling in some gaps! Belford Gray is such a dignified name, I’m glad she ended up as Scoter though :) I know Virginia Biddle bought her from the school & had another yard finish the interior, she must have chosen the name.

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    Brent Williams says:

    Great video, beautiful sail boat. Thanks for sharing.

  • David Tew

    David Tew says:

    This is so timely for us. For years I enjoyed sailing our sailboat singlehanded, making changes that were sensible and convenient like you’ve done. Now we have a cabin launch about the size of Scoter. Like your boyfriend my wife has taken to learning all about what goes where and how to do things becoming an excellent owner. That has become very important since I broke my leg a few weeks ago and she used my notes to winterize the diesel engine and other systems, remove and store everything that might mildew and get the boat ready for it’s winter cover.

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    Ralph Kimball says:

    Kit-
    Beautiful, functional boat! I noticed that in some parts of the video the boat is rigged as a cutter with a yankee on the sprit and a staysail on a jib boom. In other parts there’s no sign of a staysail or jib boom. I wonder what the newest (and I assume preferred) configuration is.

    • Avatar

      Kit Macchi says:

      She came to me as a cutter and this past spring I removed the stay and got a reefing furler for the jib – the previous one was just a furler and very temperamental. She sails just as well as a sloop and I have a lot more room on the foredeck now!

  • Avatar

    SteveL says:

    What lovely taste in boats you have, Kit … and while I’m at it, I watched all of your videos on building the Oonagh sailing dinghy, and it’s high time I said thank you!

  • Avatar

    Thanks for sharing your boat and the evolution of sailing her–from restoration to single handing to sharing her with friends and family. So chill and competent and encouraging. Hope our paths cross some day.

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    Bert van Baar says:

    Hi Kit,
    Nice footage seeing you on your own boat.
    Still know you from Costa Rica, building Prima Vela! Was a good vibe.
    Cheers
    Bert

    • Avatar

      Kit Macchi says:

      Hello Bert! Great to hear from you – hope all is well and oh! How hot days remind me of cold Pilsens !
      Cheers!

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    Oscar Johansen says:

    Absolutely beautiful boat ! As previously stated i

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    Nikos Singelis says:

    I always enjoy crossing paths with you on the Reach!

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    Rich Dodson says:

    Kit – you are amazing. I have learned so much from your ARRIBA series…and I now refer to problem spots in my woodworking as them being “fussy”! :-) SCOTER has a functional beauty that perfectly fits you. Best Wishes to you and SCOTER!

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    Michael Barra says:

    I loved this video!! The photography, your philosophy of life and love of sailing and the water, and whether alone or with friends, but especially with friends, stopping to explore local areas,
    enjoying meals on the boat or ashore, taking pride in your workmanship, modifying the boat to make it easier to sail single-handed. You gave me many ideas to improve my own boat (it’s plastic, a Pearson 27′, with 42″ draft also, which I love since I sail on the Hudson River). I will
    order a cam clean for my mainsheet for next sailing season. Thanks again for sharing!!

  • Avatar

    carl prestipino says:

    Beautiful yet solid looking design. How nice that your occupation and recreation match!

  • Avatar

    Theodore Gentsch says:

    Thank so much for sharing Kit. I loved watching your boatbuilding series. You’re a expert at your craft. So very inspiring! All the best to you and yours!

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