September 2026 Newsletter
SEPTEMBER 2026
The project to build PILGRIM III is moving along – now nearly finished with full hull frames and half frames with floors, all external and internal ballast installed, main mast step and riders installed and starting the installation of foremast step with frame riders.
This month we will put the transom up, set the cant frames forward, start laminating deck beams and carlins, finish installing the mast steps with their frame riders and will start laying in the hull longitudinal stringers, sheer clamps and main deck beam shelves on the inside of the hull frames (we just received a load of specially milled 1 inch Sapele for these and are anxious to get going with this part of the project!).
With this newsletter, we are continuing to fill in the various tasks associated with building the ship; adding the production of the templates for shaping the individual futtocks making up each of the frames (task 530), shaping the individual futtocks for the full frames (task 531), assembling the full frames on the horning table and dubbing horses (task 531)
Check out the TASKS button in the PHOTO GALLERY and check out the additional pictures 216 thru 252 added to the CHRONOLOGY.
We have started our Friday Talks series, scheduled for the second Friday of each month. The talks will cover various maritime subjects related to our ship and will be accompanied by a BBQ lunch provided by Mac and the shipyard. The lunch will start at 1300, lecture shortly thereafter. The first in the series covered history of the original PILGRIM’s builders and the area in which the ship was built. The next, 14 August, covered an introduction to Nautical Terminology. We will have another Friday, September 11, and the topic will be an introduction to Naval Architecture and engineering – basically, how does the darn thing float and what are the elements of shape that contribute to stability, resistance and motions? All are welcome, but please let the main office know by 9 September if you plan to attend, by emailing admin@sharpdesign-na.net .
Per our project Foundation’s requirements, we have started the educational program to integrate Bitcoin into all aspects of the production effort with a presentation to our crew by Alex Fedorak representing the FOUNDATION. Going forward, we are integrating the Bitcoin element into all discussions with suppliers, vendors and various support agencies. And finally, through links to the PILGRIM III FOUNDATION websites, we will be providing a forum for discussion of topics related to Bitcoin and the fact that it is powering this whole project. We encourage your insight and experience to help us in our quest to more easily incorporate Bitcoin in the workings of the project and how it may be of mutual benefit to the project and all of the PILGRIM III Friends.
The FOUNDATION website should be up and running by the time you get this newsletter, so give it a look over and comment back to us.
Looking forward to great progress next month!
