Series

The WindSprite 26

An easy-to-build, multichined hull for performance daysailing

From the 2007 Small Boats Annual - Frank Pedersen designed a light-displacement planing hull, and WINDSPRITE's abilities as a performance daysailer have been anything but a disappointment to him. With basic accommodations and without expensive electrical or mechanical systems, she’s all about fast daysailing at minimal cost.

The Annapolis Wherry

Quick to build, fast to row

From the 2007 Small Boats Annual - Faster than a typical skiff, yet more stable than a recreational shell, the light (65 lbs) Annapolis Wherry from Chesapeake Light Craft offers healthy exercise and satisfying speed. The Wherry goes together LapStitch fashion, which produces a clean interior with few frames.

The Ben Garveys

Simple boats for work or play

From the 2007 Small Boats Annual - Boats don’t always need to have pointy forward ends. Here we have two easily built, square-ended workhorses that will handle all sorts of waterfront chores—and look just fine while they’re about it. Designed by Maine boatbuilder Doug Hylan, the 15' 9" and 19' 0" Ben Garveys will earn their wages.

The Norwalk Islands 26

Fast, shoal-draft, and self-righting

From the 2007 Small Boats Annual - The sheet-plywood Norwalk Islands Sharpie can easily be built in the backyard, yet it outperforms more expensive yachts. Its simple cat-ketch rig needs no standing rigging (wire shrouds and stays that support the masts). The outboard-motor lifts into its own house when idle—no ugly mounting bracket, no hydrodynamic drag.

To the Black Sea – Episode 16

Reflecting on their adventure

In this final video of their series, Finn and Teresa are at their journey’s end: Constanta, a Romanian port on the west coast of the Black Sea. With their boat...

To the Black Sea – Episode 15

A beautiful day on the Black Sea.

A Beautiful Day on the Black Sea: - Watch Now The final week on the Danube brought Finn and Teresa to a short-cut to the Black Sea. Small boats aren’t allowed on the 40-mile-long canal, so they hitched a ride aboard a cargo-carrying motor barge. Join them for their last miles as they relaunch JILL at the end of the…

To the Black Sea – Episode 14

Ukrainian Merchantman Comes to the Rescue

Ukrainian Merchantman Comes to the Rescue: - Watch Now Joined by a schoolmate for the lower Danube River through Bulgaria and Romania, Finn and Tereza, draw near the Black Sea. One last barrier stands in their way-a canal that doesn’t welcome small boats. Watch as a Ukrainian merchantman comes to the rescue.

To the Black Sea – Episode 13

Towed Alongside a Barge Doing 7 Knots

Towed Alongside a Barge Doing 7 Knots: - Watch Now Still descending the Danube, Finn and Tereza found the going slow on a stretch of the river between Serbia and Romania. Rather than struggle for meager miles against a headwind, they did what any resourceful wayfarer would do: stick out a thumb and hitch a ride.

To the Black Sea – Episode 12

Through the Iron Gates

Tacking Downstream Through the Iron Gates: - Watch Now Finn and Tereza enter the Iron Gates where the Danube passes between ranges in Serbia and Romania. Funneling between the steep slopes, the wind is often on the nose. Watch as they tack downstream under a reefed sail.

To the Black Sea – Episode 11

Croatia to Serbia, Two Months Into the Journey

Entering Croatia, Two Months Into Their Journey: - - Watch Now The Danube carries Finn and Tereza through Croatia to Serbia and a stop at Belgrade. Fall brings shorter days, nearly freezing nights, and rain. See how they’re holding up two months into the voyage.

To the Black Sea – Episode 10

Cold Weather, Beach Camping and Strong Winds

Cold Weather, Beach Camping and Strong Winds: - Watch Now Finn and Tereza make their way across Hungary, and visit the capital city of Budapest. There they pick up a crewmate, Karl, and carry on down the Danube. Get ready for some wild river sailing!

To the Black Sea – Episode 9

Navigating the Constantly Changing River

Navigating the Constantly Changing River: - Watch Now In Slovakia, Finn and Tereza have to get chaperoned by a cargo vessel to be allowed through one of the larger locks, but in the wider parts of the Danube they get some sea room and a breeze. Watch JILL spread her wings and fly.

To the Black Sea – Episode 8

Riding the Current Through the Final Days of Summer

Riding the Current Through the Final Days of Summer. - Watch Now The Danube’s gentle current carries Jill along and the miles come easily for Tereza and Finn. Check out the lush landscapes and elegant urban architecture of Germany and Austria in their latest video.

To the Black Sea – Episode 7

It's all Downhill (River) From Here

It's all Downhill (River) From Here- Watch Now Finn and Teresa continue eastward on the Main-Donau Canal, taking lock aft lock the geographical high point of the voyage. While it was all “downhill” from there to the Danube, their video conveys a grand adventure.

To the Black Sea – Episode 6

Problem Solving

Problem Solving and Moving Against the Current.- Watch Now At Würzberg, Finn and Tereza are joined by Lorenzo, a staffer from their alma mater, the Brockwood Park School. Watch how our adventurers solve a few problems on their way to the city of Bamberg and the entrance to the canal that will carry them to the Danube river.

To the Black Sea – Episode 5

Finally Sailing JILL!

The Wind Picks Up and JILL is Sailing - Watch Now Averaging about 17 miles a day, Finn and Tereza work their way up the Main River and reached Würzberg. They still have many more miles of the Main ahead of them before they reach the first canal along the route to Russia. Our young travelers are getting into their…

To the Black Sea – Episode 4

Summer heat, torrential rain and the excitement of the first week on the water.

Summer heat, torrential rain and the first week on the water. - Watch NowTheir destination, Sochi, Russia, was 1,500 miles away as the jet airliner flies, but Finn and Tereza are in no hurry and determined to travel in a manner that’s kind to the environment. They have been underway for a week now.

To the Black Sea – Episode 3

Driving to Germany, The Adventure Begins

Getting JILL to Germany - Watch NowWith no car, Finn and Tereza have to figure out how to get their boat to Mainz, Germany. With all their supplies (and a guitar) aboard JILL, their goal was to get her in the water and spend their first night under the open sky.

To the Black Sea – Episode 2

Finishing Their Boat, JILL

Finn and Tereza Finish Their Boat - Watch NowJILL, the boat Finn and Tereza have been building for their journey across Europe to Russia, is still not finished. Watch this video to see the challenges finishing JILL and the final stages of the pre-trip preparations.

To the Black Sea – Episode 1

Introducing Finn and Tereza's Adventure

Introduction to Finn and Tereza's Adventure - Watch NowWhile students at Brockwood Park School in Hampshire, UK, Finn Cameron-Turner and Tereza Deminova, both 17, built a 16’ Matinicus double ender. They’ll cross Europe on inland waterways, the last of which, the Danube, will deliver them to the Black Sea.