John C. Harris of Chesapeake Light Craft designed the Faering Cruiser for a client who had three firm requirements for his coastal voyager: The boat had to sail, its auxiliary power had to be provided by sliding-seat rowing, and it had to have sleeping accommodations beneath the deck.
This unusual 22' pocket cruiser from Chesapeake Light Craft (CLC) is based on traditional inshore boats of the west coast of Norway, but the initial inspiration for it came from someplace far different from that. “The boat’s owner,” says CLC proprietor and chief designer John C. Harris, “was obsessed with Sven Lundin.” Lundin is the Swede who, in 1980, sailed his 20'-long BRIS II around Cape Horn, after attempting the voyage and pitchpoling in BRIS I (it means “breeze” in Swedish) on his first attempt in 1972. Lundin made other improbable voyages in improbable boats, espousing a philosophy of low cost, easy handling, shallow draft, and beachability. His boats also had no engines, and had to row reasonably well.Harris’s customer did not intend to cross oceans, but rather wanted to make alongshore expeditions under sail and oar, and this posed a problem for the designer. He saw Lundin’s “pod”-style boats as well adapted for long offshore passages, but not so great for inshore work. His customer also wanted a sliding seat, which dictated a cockpit layout centered in the middle of the boat, which bumped the cabin from its traditional place. These constraints are what led Harris to the traditional boats of Norway’s Nordland county.
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Comments (3)
Been kicking this around for a few years now. Too bad the Faering is not couple friendly. This design could be the perfect weekender in the Boston Harbor area with its many islands, rivers and intertidal areas to explore. Usually summer conditions here would lend just enough of rowing for the usually flat, calm mornings to early afternoon for a workout at the same time. Close but no cigar.
John C. Harris
Been kicking this around for a few years now. Too bad the Faering is not couple friendly. This design could be the perfect weekender in the Boston Harbor area with its many islands, rivers and intertidal areas to explore. Usually summer conditions here would lend just enough of rowing for the usually flat, calm mornings to early afternoon for a workout at the same time. Close but no cigar.
Intriguing. Would like to check out study plans.
Make sure to look at the Angus Row Cruiser if you like this boat. Each have their pros/cons.