Alca i was inspired by Colin Archer and designed by George Buehler (from Whidbey Island). She was constructed in 2003 to subarctic exploration vessel standards with 2″ thick oak plank on frame construction and then encapsulated with two to four layers of fiberglass/epoxy resin for the purpose of conducting research in the Northwest Atlantic on behalf of the Smithsonian Institution. Alca i is equipped with seven water-tight bulkheads and six water-tight doors as well as redundant tankage, electrical, hydraulic and navigational systems to provide added safety and security for operating in remote, harsh environments. Upgrades by her current owner include roller-reefing jib, roller-reefing main stays’l, extensive LED lighting throughout, nine additional hatches for enhanced light and ventilation, 1,800 watts of solar cells, modification of pilothouse roof for water catchment, Wallace diesel range top and oven, dual voltage refrigerator/freezers with drawers, installation of cameras for enhanced visibility in front of the bow, remote-controlled anchor windlass, remote-controlled autopilot, Airhead composting toilet and two wood-burning Navigator stoves for onboard comfort over the winter months.
