Building STURDY BEGGAR - Specifications

Design

STURDY BEGGAR, a gaff rigged sailboat, was adapted from a set of plans by Paul Gartside of Sydney, BC. Captain O'Leary purchased the plans in 1990 through Wooden Boat magazine. The plan was adapted by Brad Story, Story Shipyard of Essex, MA. 

The keel was cast in November, 1997. Construction started in February 1998. The STURDY BEGGAR was launched into the Essex River May 13, 1999 continuing a 300 year old, boat building tradition. Most of the early New England schooner fishing fleet had been built and launched in Essex.

Specifications

Traditional carvel plank on frame. 

Planking: mahogany

Frames, stem, deadwood: white oak;

Fastenings: copper riveted throughout, silicon bronze bolts

Mast and bowsprit: Douglas fir

530 sq. ft. of sail area; main, topsail, staysail and jib

Engine: 30hp Lister diesel

Electronics: GPS, RADAR, Fathometer, fish finder, VHF radio