| TANKAWA was a
Tumlaren, a 29-foot double-ender designed by Knute Reimers.
Built in 1935
in Stockholm, Sweden, to compete in the 20 Square Meter Class, she was
planked with Norwegian pine, framed with oak and wrought iron, and trimmed
with Honduras mahogany and teak.
TANKAWA had been sailed and raced in New England waters until about
1994, when major repairs became unavoidable. That was when she began her
long wait in vain for such repairs.
When Nauticals of Marblehead's owner, Davita Nowland, heard about
TANKAWA's predicament from a friend with a business on the Marblehead
waterfront, she contacted her owner and paid the boat a visit.
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TANKAWA
Tumlaren 29'
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TANKAWA's last owner, a professional and talented woodworker, gave up the
idea of restoring this boat because he knew she had passed the point of no
return.
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TANKAWA was built for speed, not comfort, as she was very small inside.
She was a limited-use racing boat in a class that is no longer active.
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In November 1998 arrangements were made with TANKAWA's owner to
leave the lead keel behind and disassemble her where she stood in Essex,
Massachusetts.
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TANKAWA in her condition was absolutely perfect for Nowland's work.
To be sure she asked her friend and experienced boat builder and
restoration expert Thad Danielson of Redds Pond Boatworks about TANKAWA's
chances of restoration.
Thad concurred she was not a good restoration project - unless money
was not an issue.
TANKAWA came
apart in large pieces that went to Nauticals of Marblehead's storage yard
in Gloucester to await rebirth.
Now TANKAWA's legacy includes fond memories of sailing and limited
editions of romantic nautical tables, lamps and select custom works.
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