Spawn: Gimme Shelter

It's homestretch time at the boat-build. That means the less glamorous, but mission-critical features of Spawn must be fitted and tested. There's a lot to figure out.

Shelter, for instance. The Everglades Challenge –– the adventure race that got this boat-building project started –– naturally and responsibly requires that competitors carry a bug-proof shelter. With 300 Florida miles and the Everglades to traverse, I should think so.

Paddlers usually bring a tiny tent. For the trio onboard Spawn, the shelter is two-part: there's the forward state-room below the foredeck, and then there's a tonneau-cover/conestoga wagon shelter that spans the middle of the boat. The edges of the canvas cover are secured with a wide band of Velcro®. 

The tonneau-cover not only helps repel water should it come raining or splashing into the cockpit while the boat is underway, it also makes a very cool fort.

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The cover arches over the centerboard trunk like a cozy tent. A couple of sleeping bags and extra-long, extra-thick exercise mats make for rather deluxe sleeping accoutrements. A mosquito-netting panel facing the transom seals the deal, while allowing an intrepid sailor to slip an arm out of shelter to cook a tasty meal on the Jetboil stove.  

​So in case the wind poops out, the team won't be entirely at the mercy of the Everglades most annoying native species.  I'll probably tuck a deck of cards into the toothbrushes-and-baby-powder personal-care kit for the guys.

​You know, in the unlikely event of a boredom emergency. ​

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