Crossing the bar of our 10th anniversary has prompted us to stop and ask two questions:
“What are we doing, and why are we doing it?”
Following close behind in the wake of those two questions are two more:
Preview: Celebrating 10 Years Together
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Comments, Thoughts or Suggestions?
You can leave a comment or question for OCH and members below. Here are the comments so far…
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Anthony Lynch says:
Thank you for the amazing work you’ve done, and for how you’ve continued to learn about making videos. I can definitely notice the progression. I echo one comment about more focus on cruising, and I have a request that you bring back free, or reduced price gift memberships. I have at least a half dozen friends that I would like to introduce.
Neil Henderson says:
I started to build boats properly after I retired and a friend suggested I join OCH ‘because it has some videos you might find useful’. I watched Geoff Kerrs videos whilst building my Gannet and now when I’m building my Caledonia Yawl. No other website provides the quality of videos that OCH does – I can rely on what people say in the videos and that’s really nice when you are a newbie like me!
Very glad to hear that OCH is asking itself the ‘four R’s’ – they are difficult to answer and the trigger very useful conversations.
I would love to see a video on making the planks for glued clinker hulls – Geoff’s videos unfortunately skip this because he used kit planks, video needs to include spiling, scarphing, cutting and tuning.
Would also love to see a video and/or discussion about sail designs. Maybe a video about interpreting plans and what variations on a plan would work, a cuddy cabin for example.
Please keep up your great work – OCH works :-)
Regards Neil
Vince Bobrosky says:
First of all, Congratulations on the first 10 years. Thank You to everyone at OCH for your dedicated work to give OCH a unique small port feeling and charm. I believe that this is what makes your work so successful. Your passion and dedication show as you provide us with such a variety of great information.
If I were to try to explain what OCH is like; I would compare it to your favorite local family small town bakery. One that has been passed down from generation to generation. Whenever you visit, you are sure to find something great, whether it be something new that you have never heard of or some old traditional favorite, or who knows, maybe even something else homemade from another local person that has nothing to do with a baked item, but just as rewarding non the less. “In a nutshell, a small group of people coming together that you can trust to provide you with an exceptional trusted product.”
Here’s to many, many more Wicked Good Whoopie Pies.
Heidi Roy says:
Thank you for the wonderful videos. The music tugs on my heart strings and the boats make me smile, so on dreary days I watch the videos just to make me happy…….glad I found you OCH
Rod McLaren says:
I don’t remember when I first chanced upon OCH but it is yet another example of why I am so grateful for serendipity. I don’t always make time to check each newsletter in detail but I know when I do I will not be disappointed. And when I need to research a sailing topic, whether it be building or sailing a sailboat, OCH is always a go-to source for trustworthy information. Thank you for offering the 10 week free subscriptions. I am already receiving gratitude from friends whom I invited, including one this morning who has just begun a month long recovery from surgery and who will be delving into the extensive OCH archives during this time. Sail on, OCH, sail on.
Bob Peterson says:
Congradulations on 10 great years. Off Center is my Happy Place
Jim Connell says:
I simply love what you stand for. Happy Holidays to all of you there. I may be moving to Port Townsend in the spring and will continue my Angus Rowing/Sail cruiser there.
Andrew Blodgett says:
I love the variety of videos here, and every one is a quality production.
My two cents: fewer boat building videos and more of camp cruising and boat tours.
paul callahan says:
Love OCH! been a member almost from the beginning. Anymore content of Maynard sailing that beautiful Coquina? Thanks
Steve Stone says:
Thanks Paul and Andrew. Maynard and hi Coquina are in the editing queue and he’ll take us stem-to-stern on how he rigs her up and sails her in a three part series soon after the new year if all goes well.
Andrew Blodgett says:
I can’t wait!
Steve Buck says:
I too, can’t wait to see Maynard and his Coquina. Reading that it will be a three part series has me all the more excited!
David Spader says:
I just love the whole concept and website. I only wish I had more time to spend with it! Someday.
I have to ask: what are the dinghies that appear at 00:47?
Steve Stone says:
Thanks David. Those are Abaco Dinghies in Hopetown, Elbow Cay, Bahamas.
Tim Ford says:
I’ve had the good fortune to visit Center Harbor a number of times and compete in three of the Classic Yacht races. OCH is terrific in its ability to perpetuate a feeling of connectedness with the amazing Brooklin community of boatbuilders and wooden boat enthusiasts around the world. As stated above, YOU GUYS ROCK!
Paul Tulloch says:
i love being part of this community, the tips, encouragement, inspiration. Thanks again. Here in Adelaide, South Australia, we have plenty of coastline, but I love the New England inlets, bays, islands, and forests that come to the water line. We were there in 2018 and plan to return. Now to finish off my Oughtred Gannet, with half an eye on the instructional videos!
Peter Jackson says:
You’ve created something very special and precious and which is much appreciated by people all around the world. Best wishes from a hot Sydney, NSW.
Joe Hill says:
thank you, for all the brilliant content in ALL your videos. I am taken aback by the beauty of New England it looks like parts of South Wales where I live.
As we say in Wales Nadolig LLawen (Merry Christmas in English) and
BLWYDDYN NEWYDD DDA Happy New Year, to all OCH members.
John Franklin Jr says:
You have a great product, congratulations.
William Schleuse says:
Very appealing and well done, as an intro or a thank you. Well done!
After many years under sail and power, racing and cruising, now on the beach, OCH brings me great pleasure. I appreciate boats with traditional virtues, of whatever vintage or construction, and I certainly learned the wisdom of the Herrschoff quote, “Simplicity afloat … .”
Tim Leary says:
What a wonderful collection of premium video’s! I love the slow pace mantra “Start slow and then ease off!”. In a frantic World these video’s allow me to slow right down and enjoy the messages and lessons.
Keep up the great work please!
Tim Leary
Vasilis Sepetzoglou says:
JUST ONE BIG BRAVO!!!!! THANKS VERY MUCH ALL OF YOU!! CONTINUE WITH THE SAME WAY! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR !!! BASILE FROM GREECE.
John Wujack says:
“Thank you” doesn’t come close to expressing my appreciation for the creation and continuing excellence of OCH with its’ expert narration and content. For years now and most importantly during the dark days of Covid, OCH was/is like a vacation from the grim reality of the past few years. I admit it, I’m a romantic when it comes to a beautiful waterfront and all sorts of watercraft, OCH captures it and makes it available with a few keystrokes. Amazing! Thank you all and a very special acknowledgement to Maynard for sharing his lifetime of work. My family has come to understand why I have named my new-to-me Whitehall pulling boat, “Maynard.” I look forward to seeing you all at the Port Townsend WBF when we get back to normal. Until then, keep up the great work. All the best in the New Year, John
Ralph Eade says:
Hi Guys
Luv it. I took on the lifetime membership years ago and have not looked back. I think its my time to buy you a beer next time we are in Tasmania for the WBF. Keep it up
Ralph, Gold Coast, Australia
Marc LaFrance says:
Where do I start?
Building my own Caledonia Yawl eyeballing every facet of those build videos even beyond the words and being able to connect with Geoff Kerr about things I needed to better understand.
Inspired to no end by people in videos and in awe when meeting them in person; Hawkins, Stone, Bryan, Bray, Kerr, Blake, to name just a few.
Better than TV, Netflix, Youtube, or any other channel I have come across for interesting content.
I wish I had scooped a lifetime membership when they were offered…
I wish there might be a few yearly events (Covid issues notwithstanding!) whereby we could come sail with you all in Brooklin. SRR is looking for a new sponsor/coordinator, hint hint!
Cheers! Looking forward to the next ten years with you all.
Dirk Faegre says:
The voice I hear is friendly, clear, knowledgable and feels like I’m coming back home each time I fire up a new video. No ‘pro’ necessary — we already have one. Keep calm and carry on Off-Center.
Hal Teasdale says:
With all due respect I strongly disagree.
Harold Wheeler says:
Thank you to the entire crew! Some day I hope to meet you all and thank you personally,
Ian Thomson says:
Thanks guys, you’ve made a most enjoyable site. My only regret is not taking the lifetime membership when you offered it. Keep up the good work.
Richard Neall says:
Simply fabulous videos and content, Thanks guys. Amazing!
Richard Greenway says:
Someone approached me on my first visit to Mystic Seaport about the idea of of an online wooden boat site. Under normal circumstances it would not have penetrated my lack of interest in anything the internet had to offer.
However I was not my normal self that day. Even waiting in line to enter the surrounding group got engaged in a humorous rousing discussion on the ultimate workshop. Then to be shown around by a well known east coast person with introductions made.
II found myself in a wooden boat state of grace and easily signed up to OCH.
Someone reading this will probably think that I have some standing in the wooden boat community. This is so far from the truth as my passion and abilities are an independent endeavor in a rural setting with no one to share with.
OCH is my lifeline to the outside world of wooden sail boats and feeds my enthusiasm.
Keep up the great work Richard.
PETER RODMAN says:
If you’re just getting started, well, WOW!! What a start! Thanks for all you have created, and best wishes for the next round!
David Rawls says:
Nothing comes close to a day, a week, or a month on the water! Free from every day cares; our world opens up on land and sea. Skies are bigger, more beautiful and majestic with a sail flapping. I realize you are Easterners by birth and voyagers by nature, however we west coasters have a thing or two to share. Example: Tahoe Classic boat show! You could make a great video there! San Diego to San Francisco along the coast would be stunning; especially during the whale migrations! Come visit! The next DECADE awaits!! Thanks and be blessed!
Ed Altonji says:
It may be “Off Center” but for me OCH does so much to keep me On Center. We also shouldn’t lose site of the Slow August selections that give many the answer to why we love these boats so much. My only regret is not purchasing the lifetime membership up front … now there’s an idea, how about coming up with a conversion plan to flip all of us into lifers?
Michael Vaughan says:
The whole OCH thing is eximious.
I’ve always said that there’s no greater thing that can be shared than knowledge.
The top OCH moment is Harry Bryan on Katie when he drops the mooring and starts sailing- it is pure magic.
Congratulations and thank you.
David Flanders says:
I think that you captured the spirit of Off Center as well as all the info of what you’re about. Very well done. And thank you so much for the 10-week trial membership that I gave to my friend. You are, collectively, a class act. Thanks for everything,
David Flanders
Larry Cheek says:
Congratulations, OCH crew, on 10 fine years and a beautiful and useful library of videos. You’ve given us a great companion to a WoodenBoat subscription; I wouldn’t want to face life in the boat shop without either one.
For the record, my all-time fave boat video remains the early one on the Herreshoff NY30 ALERA. Here a magnificent boat, boisterous sailing conditions, excellent videography and perfect musical accompaniment all came together. I’ve probably watched it 20 times and just went back for another taste before writing this.
Cap'n Rick Urban says:
TO DO – something, however small, to make others happier and better, is the highest ambition, the most elevating hope, which can inspire a human being. Avery 1911
karenlsullivan says:
Love the unique, artistic, historic and fun work you do. And dear ole Raven awaits your next visit! ~ Karen and Jim
Conbert Benneck says:
A wonderful and delightful summary of the joys of being on the water. I have found that one of the joys of “messing about in boats” is that it is a never ending learning experience; be it boat maintenance; boat modifications; sail handling; navigation; anchoring, ….. You never stop learning.
Your video expresses it all except for one facet that you haven’t addressed; when you have arrived at your destination; the anchor is holding; the sails are furled; and the sun is below the yardarm, it is Happy Hour time. Sitting in the cockpit with your crew; or rafted up with friends and gaming, sharing a drink together as the sun sets is also part of sailing mystique and tradition. A Merry Christmas to you all for your wonderful work, and all your experts who have shared their knowledge and know-how with us. May your anchor always hold; may all your course be beam reaches; and may you always have a hands-breadth of water under your keel in the coming sailing year.
Peter Leach says:
OCH, The heat and sun have created issues for wooden boats, Limfjord, a strip planked H-28, OCH has filmed, in Port Townsend, amongst them. Suggestions, thoughts on best practices as the planet warms up.
Thank you for all that you do and the knowledge you are uncovering and sharing.
Karel Doruyter says:
I can’t express how much I enjoy reading your site. I wish you were around 60 years ago !! There is nothing as satisfying as building a boat, and that applies to kayaks, canoes, dinghies and sailing vessels. I have built 5 boats for myself and have plied the waters from the arctic to the tip of southern Chile. I still dream of building just one more, who knows !! Thanks for the stories, I have enjoyed them all.
David Bornman says:
I simply love the videos you produce and the sincere humble way in which all participants share their stories and knowledge. From time to time I realize that you were filming in my region and I wish there was the opportunity to gather and meet a few people. (Vancouver, BC)
edward mcmahon says:
10+ can’t wait for the next one.
Charley Humphrey says:
We owe yall a huge debt of gratitude! This site has taught us so much and introduced my family to a world we didn’t know still existed. It’s hard to point to anywhere you could improve, keep on keepin on! In a perfect world I’d love to see more videos from further afield once the pandemic is over. Maybe down on the Chesapeake aboard the bugeye in St Michaels or any of the working skipjacks (Tilghman Island/Cambridge areas) and talk with those captains about their techniques and how they deal with their weather conditions. Or if there are any Bahaman boats still working, I’m sure enough members winter down there to be able to make a video of those old boats for the rest of us who are unfortunately landlocked. The New Zealand stuff was fantastic. More please!
Ugo Polla says:
Lovely video, especially appreciate effort to encourage, excite, stimulate interest in our youngsters. That’s sowing seeds which will help grow the future for the entire landscape wood boat building and the environment wooden boats abide in.
Micky Burkett says:
Great video and a great website…Thanks I really enjoy it!
Leo Corsetti says:
Thank you!
Jeff Patrick says:
I absolutely love Off Center Harbor’s aesthetics and philosophy. Your videos are wonderful and, almost, top rated. But they are not made for those of us who have a hearing disability. Captions would make all the difference. Netflix does it, so should OCH.
David Tew says:
Some time ago OCH suggested that a revival of the Port Townsend 11 kits might be something you’ve got on your list to do. The boat design is interesting but the nesting hardware is the most intriguing aspect of the project imo. Any number of small tenders could be designed to adopt a nesting format with that hardware.
James Root says:
Great job with a great site. A unique and active way to bring boat people and their knowledge and passion together. Thanks for thinking it all up and acting on it well.
I’ve given many gift memberships so hope they pan out!
Scott Thomlison says:
From up here in Calgary Alberta, the least boat place on the planet (canoes excepted) I love being a subscriber to OCH. Your website lets me dream. Thank you.
Scott Thomlison
Patrick McCorkle says:
A huge thanks goes to the Off Center Harbor Crew and to the folks who shared their stories, knowledge and boats in the amazing videos! I have gained a wealth of knowledge and have been inspired beyond belief.
Jonathan Margolis says:
I’ve traveled around the world with you folks, and I’ve hardly touched a toe into what you have.
Happy holidays to all, and a wonderful new year.
Doug Day says:
One of my fave videos introduced me to the boat shop around Damariscotta where about 40 or 50 classic boats are maintained. What I liked was how the young Mr. Bryant told us the exact number of the product that he was using as he painted his own boat. Now I need stuff about changing out old Westerbeke fuel injectors. Good on you!
David Tew says:
Yes! Nat Bryant’s idea about how he paints had some great tips and they are the best kind of people on the Maine coast.
William Sanchez says:
Thank you so much for teaching me the appreciation of wooden boat building, boat maintenance, and boat handling. About six years ago I became a lifelong member of Off Center Harbor thinking that it would serve me and others for a few years. And Lo and behold, here we both are still learning and appreciating the wonderful world of wooden boats. THANK YOU!
William Sanchez Jr.
Dave Dickmeyer says:
It’s a great pleasure being a part of OCH. You guys rock! Happy holidays to you and you families, at home and extended.
Robert Mansfield says:
Thank You for All You have Accomplished, it has been a wonderful ten years of learning!!
Mark Weber says:
I think the video hits all the high points well. Pretty inspiring, as are all the productions of OCH