Preview: The Schooner ALCA i – Living the Retirement Dream

25 Responses So Far to “The Schooner ALCA i – Living the Retirement Dream”

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  Paul Smith says:

  We love seeing your boat every day when King 5 shows their picture of the weather in Bellingham! We had to drive up today see what that beautiful blue schooner was – and then to find your story on Off Center Harbor! Lovely boat!

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    Mark Barber says:

    Yeah, it’s a hoot seeing my ship with each King 5 weather broadcast! With all of the people in this area that love wooden boats, I’ve “found my tribe”. Thank you for being a member of our tribe!

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  David Rawls says:

  Mark’s last comment reminded me of that old Japanese adage; ‘Don’t take up Bonsai unless you’re planning on having great grandchildren!”. Many blessings and good times together over the years! Thanks for sharing her with us!

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  David Rawls says:

  Mark’s last comment reminded me of the old Japanese adage; ‘Don’t take up Bonsai unless you’re planning on having great grandchildren!’ Thanks so very much for taking time to do this! Many happy years together!

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  Brent Williams says:

  Awesome, thank you for another great video. What a beautiful rugged vessel, such a dream to retire that way.

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  Neil Henderson says:

  One of those videos that makes you think – could I do that, and if not what is stopping me?

  Thanks for the video – you’ve got me thinking now……………………………

  Regards Neil

  p.s. nice boat btw – a lot of thought in her layout.

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  Bill Theurkauf says:

  No exactly “simplicity afloat”, but an amazing boat! Can you give some hull construction details?

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    Mark Barber says:

    Hi Bill,
    All of the wood for the hull and frame was cut from the builder’s property in Virginia, on the Chesapeake. He dried all of the wood in his solar kiln, because the slow drying process maintained the flexibility of the wood. He then measured the moisture content of each stick of wood before he encapsulated every piece with epoxy resin. The frame was constructed of white oak and the hull of red oak (he had only enough white oak on his property for the frame.) All pilot holes for the bronze screws were coated with epoxy before driving each bronze screw in and then he capped over each bronze screw with epoxy resin. There are four layers of fiberglass below waterline and extending up to a foot above the waterline. There are two layers of fiberglass above that. There are also two layers of fiberglass on the entire inside of the hull and all frame members. Thank you for watching the video!
    Mark
    Owner
    Alca i

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  Wayne Bartow says:

  Wow! What a wonderful story and such a splendid opportunity to be able to realize ones’ dream . Really beautiful boat ,nice people well thought out design and plans . Good luck to all involved.

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  Pat Sanderson says:

  I sailed on a Marco Polo designed yacht in Geelong, Australia. She was called IleOla and home built over 7 years. My older brother sailed in the Sydney Hobart of 1957. Great memories.

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  scott hitt says:

  Outstanding boat and narrative!

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    Mark Barber says:

    Thank you!

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  Captain Keith Korporaal says:

  What an excellent video! Certainly so much credit goes to George Buehler and the builder, yet, my pleasure was listening to the capable captain, Ben! I’ve known Ben personally for almost three years and can easily say, “what a pleasure it is to know someone as knowledgeable, helpful, & pleasant as Ben”! To have loosely followed the delivery of “Alca i” from Maine, this well-done video only accents the excellent commitment made by Ben, the designer, the builder, and the new owner to this wonderful vessel. The very best to you all!

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    Mark Barber says:

    Thank you.
    Ben was absolutely the BEST. I will forever be indebted to him.
    Mark
    Owner
    Alca i

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  CONNIE GALLANT says:

  That is one outstanding vessel! She’s definitely made for cruising and I’m delighted to learn you are planning exploratory trips throughout our beautiful PNW/Alaska. Best wishes – and congratulations on your excellent retirement plans!

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    Mark Barber says:

    Thank you very much!
    Mark
    Owner
    Alca i

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  John Bukowsky says:

  Retiring and following a dream afloat in a new communnity of the PNW. Welcome Mark. Like you, my wife and I share a similar dream and we, like you, plan to explore the waterway into Alaska. We hope to see you and Alcai on the water. And if you ever make it into Liberty Bay, be sure to give SV Miss Treva a shout.

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    Mark Barber says:

    Thank you John.
    I will certainly give you a shout when I get to Liberty Bay.

    Mark
    Owner
    Alca i

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  Winston Shaw says:

  Wow!

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  Alan Kane says:

  I saw this boat come up Gouldsboro Bay and anchor. We had to go out and investigate. Both my wife and I were amazed at both the boat and the Adeys. We were also supportive of their work, and we made our dock available for them to have shore access and get stores. We treasure the memories of learning about their work and life aboard the Alca i.
  Just incredible people! We are glad to see the Alca i sailing again.

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  Mike Anderson says:

  Nice boat and video.

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  Simon Houlder says:

  What a boat you have there Mark Barber! and did you know there is an organization that could work with you to conduct further marine research in the PNW if you are game. There is a United World College (Lester B Pearson) in that area (Pedder Bay B.C.) that has a marine science program and lab. Just a crazy suggestion from an old UWC ex student …..

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    Mark Barber says:

    Thank you Simon.
    I was unaware of the United World College and their marine science program. I will have to check them out. It would be cool if I am able to work with them on one of their research projects.

    Mark
    Owner
    Alca i

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  Luke van Praag says:

  She is beautiful! What a wonderful way to realize a dream. Thanks for a terrific video.

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  David Green says:

  Greetings from Petty Harbour, Newfoundland. I thought that photo at 3:19 looked like Newfoundland, and sure enough a few seconds later he mentions she did research here!