I once saw LA BELLE OIE sailing away from the Puget Sound launch ramp as I was on my way back, and as always, I altered course to intercept her.
Christopher Cunningham
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The melonseed is a beautiful design and was long a contender for my own first build, until a slightly larger design caught my eye. Noah has done a splendid job in the execution of LA BELLE OIE. I hope EMILY RUTH and I can sail in her company some day.
That is a lovely article about a beautiful boat. The last photo shows her off to her very best,just breathtaking. Well done Noah she is a delight and thanks to Chris for bringing her to our attention.
Having grown up in southern New Jersey, it is a shame that these lovely boats are rarely seen on our skinny waters. The few I have come in contact with are all like Noah’s: lovely to look at and a sail easily in all wind and waters. While I can see the wish for oars from the author, I can also see why a Melonseed has no need, they are simply the perfect little boat
Lovely, Noah. A treasure! The lines are beautiful; clean and simple with a sleek profile, low to waterline, and bow and stern that slice gently through the cradling sea.
If Noah had happened to sail the Great South Bay of Long Island, he would have bumped into the Seaford Skiffs there. Very, very similar to melonseeds. They had oarlocks and a small bench to sit on. Because the sail used a sprit, it was easy to just roll the sail, sprit and boom up around the mast and start rowing. Mystic has a number of examples including my sister’s old one. They still are the best boats to teach kids on and let them sail and play in them for hours. Great job, Noah. Enjoy.
Noah! What a nice way to see you (and Isabelle and Gus) again after all these years. This is what I should be doing instead of struggling with decisions about repairing my old Folkboat. Beautiful job. Maybe we can sail together some day.