OLD-SCHOOL GENTLEMAN Thank you for the excellent profile of Jock Williams of Hall Quarry in “A Charmed Boating Life” (December 2022). Jock is the kind of Maine boatbuilder and craftsman who embodies the traditions of the region: skilled hands, unshakable integrity, and a lifelong commitment to his customers. His reputation as a trustworthy craftsman is exactly what the phrase “old-school gentleman” was meant to describe.
My first encounter with Jock happened decades ago when I brought my boat to his yard for servicing. After listening to my task list, he paused to think, then provided a labor estimate that corresponded to a certain number of days. When I returned weeks later and saw the crew still working, I began to worry the project was taking far longer than the quote suggested. When I asked about the bill, Jock smiled and said simply, “I already quoted you for the job.” That level of fairness—standing by a price and a promise—left a strong impression and is rare in any trade today.
On another occasion we sailed to Hall Quarry to have a new centerboard fabricated. On the return trip we ran into foul weather and lost the new board. I called Jock and, without hesitation, he told us to sail back to his yard. “We’ll have a new one ready,” he said. There was no additional bill; the replacement lasted for decades. Stories like these highlight not only his craftsmanship but also his belief in long-term relationships with boat owners. There truly seems to be only one Jock Williams—a respectful, reliable boatbuilder whose work and word endure. – Peter Berman, Norwalk, Connecticut
MORE CLASSICS
I enjoyed the “Unforgettable” feature (November 2022) and would like to suggest more classic boat designs for Soundings. One model that deserves attention is the Tiara 31 Open. With its understated lines and balanced profile, the 31 Open quickly became a favorite among Great Lakes anglers and cruising couples. It anchored a successful line for Tiara and inspired many similar designs. I’ve owned other Tiara models—a 33 Open and currently a 41 Open—and while each has its own merits, I still admire a well-maintained 31 when I see one. – Thomas C. Glass
I’ve read Soundings for as long as I can remember, and I’m a regular reader of the Classics department. I even purchased two large-format prints by Jim Ewing—one of the Rybovich Sedan Sportfisherman and one of the Bertram 31—which now hang in my living room. For future Classics features, consider Chris-Craft’s wooden 22-foot open cutlass dory. The lines are mesmerizing: the graceful sweep of the varnished teak sheer glows particularly beautifully in low, late-afternoon sun. I would love to see that distinctive craft featured in your pages. Keep up the excellent work. – Ken Curtis
There’s room in the magazine for more flush-deck motoryachts. Models such as the Hatteras 43, Bertram 42, and Pacemaker 57 come to mind, as do the Uniflite 46 and Egg Harbor 40. Recent coverage has emphasized sportfish and Downeast-style boats, which are excellent, but flush-deck motoryachts deserve more exposure for their design elegance and cruising comfort. We currently own a well-kept Bertram 42 in the Great Lakes and consider it a favorite among many boats we’ve had over the years. Thank you to the staff for their consistently superb storytelling and photography. – Tim & Dianne Lucas
I have two nominations for the Classics department. First, the Cape Dory 36 by Carl Alberg is a graceful, seaworthy design I was fortunate to own straight from the factory. Hull No. 100 resided on the Five Mile River in Rowayton, Connecticut, an idyllic spot where she proved steady, comfortable, and enjoyable to sail—never the fastest, but always dependable and pleasant underway. Second, consider the Patient Lady IV, a catamaran from Roton Point, also in Rowayton. Owned by Tony DiMauro, she featured experimental developments like a wing mast and was central to spirited, competitive sailing in local regattas. I had the privilege of watching her evolution and the innovations that allowed her to perform remarkably well. If you’re still collecting ideas for Classics, please consider these two. I always look forward to the Underway column. – O.C. O’Connell
This article was originally published in the February 2023 issue.