Solitude III is a John C. Harris-penned “PocketShip” sailboat. Per the designer, this stitch and glue boat, “is a small cruising sailboat of refined model, meant to sail well on all points, provide dry camping accommodations for two adults, and tow behind a four-cylinder car.” This gaff-rigged sloop weighs in at about 1100lbs (with ballast) in her typical daysailing configuration. She is 14’10” on deck, with a 13’8″ waterline. The light weight, centerboard, folding mast, and boom gallows make her easy to trailer and tow. The boat has a large cockpit and spacious cabin (for a boat of this size) and can sleep two.
Solitude III was built from plans by Jon Lee. Construction was started in Fall 2010. Over the course of roughly two years, the boat took shape inside Mr. Lee’s garage (and sometimes parts of his house). Reveling in little victories, and pushing through moments of deep despair, work on the boat was usually done in 1.5 hour blocks after work, three nights/week on average, plus roughly two Saturdays per month. Solitude III was launched on September 4th, 2012, and was on display at the Wooden Boat Festival a few short days afterwords.
Since launch, Solitude III has sailed the salt waters of the Salish Sea. From daysailing adventures in her local waters of Possession Sound, to longer treks through the waters of the San Juan Islands, she has proved a capable and comfortable vessel.
The story of the build and some subsequent adventures came be found at http://leeboatworkspocketship.blogspot.com/