#woodenboat – A short documentary (eight mins) about David Welsford, who has given up the luxuries of land in search for happiness and adventure on a 50–year old classic wooden boat he restored from a scrap heap.
In March 2009 Welsford came across a 28–foot yacht dry docked on the Port of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. This long forgotten wooden boat (Lizzy Belle) had been built in Chester, NS in 1968 and was designed by L. Francis Herreshoff as an offshore sailing yacht. Without any engine or spars (masts) her future was bleak. Negotiations with the owner in a small pub in Halifax resulted in his favour.
The next five months were spent examining and restoring every detail in her hull, decks and quarters. Cracks were filled in her hull, dry rot replaced in her bow, a used engine installed, sanding, painting and and caulking seemed endless. Main and mizzen masts were scoped out and purchased. Lizzy Belle was revived. She had a second chance at life and little did Welsford know, she gave him one in return. Owning and maintaining a traditional wooden sailboat requires continuous loving care. In return she provides him with the thrill of the open ocean sail, the challenge of seemingly endless creative problem solving, and the enjoyment of preserving an important part of Nova Scotian Heritage.
