Thistle Dew was the first boat that I built alone. Built from scratch, with plans from WoodenBoat magazine, I so conscientiously tried to fit each piece that I would often make the mistake of shaving off just too much in my determination to achieve a perfect fit—and have to start that piece over again. What I learned was to stop at good enough, and that is how she got the name Thistle Dew. She came out all right, I think. Thistle Dew now teaches my children how to sail, row, and care for a wooden boat.
