Sparrow was built by Port Townsend local Kees Prins, who adapted her design from one chosen by the owner (see WB magazine issue 163). The sails were sewn by the owner at NW sails in Port Hadlock, and finishing details were a joint project. The design published in WB was baed on a Gulf of Mexico surf dory documented by John Gardner and further re-interpreted by the builder to include lapstrake planking, watertight ballast compartments, and self bailing built in bench seats. These adaptations resulted in a remarkably sturdy and seaworthy little boat- she has been sailed on SF Bay in winds gusting 40 knots. Propulsion is sail or oars, Sparrow has never had an engine.
