CABBS Newsletter April 2026
We are pleased to share the archive edition of our monthly newsletter, The C Clamp, with our broader community!
Please Note: Active CABBS members always receive the latest newsletter first via email. Archive editions are posted here publicly with a short delay. Want to get these hot off the press? Join CABBS Today!
Inside the April 2026 Issue:
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Lyman Islander Milestone (The Whiskey Plank!): Read about how our crew successfully closed up the Lyman Islander hull on March 23, 2026, marking the end of a 15-month planking journey with a traditional “whiskey plank” toast! You’ll also get a preview of what’s next, including fairing the hull and an upcoming engine mechanics project to restore a classic Graymarine 620 engine.
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April Guest Speaker — Captain Matt Daley: A look at a meeting featuring Captain Matt Daley, a charter captain and Boat US rescue operator. He shared how he makes his Lake Erie fishing business work, along with some colorful rescue stories.
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Summer Boating Expeditions: Details on two exciting multi-day summer paddling trips open to our members—the Allegheny River Paddle Trip in June and the Erie Canal Paddle in August.
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Cedar-Strip Wonder Works: A recap of our March presentation by retired engineer Susan Taft, who detailed her custom CAD-design process and construction techniques for building incredibly lightweight cedar-strip canoes and kayaks.
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Innovations & Workshops in the Shop:
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The Paddlemaking Horse: Learn about the custom-built clamping device designed by Ed Neal and Paul Jira that has revolutionized our oar and paddlemaking classes.
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Sewing Class Recap: A review of our popular March sewing workshop led by Ernie Michaud using our shop’s Singer-Professional machine.
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Upcoming Workshops: Schedules and details for our April Trailer Maintenance workshop with Paul Jira, May’s Rigging the Small Boat class with Ron Abate, and June’s Epoxy 101 with Paul Herrgesell.
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Sailing Center & Workspace Updates:
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Community Sailing Center: An update on the construction of the Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center (ribbon cutting June 23!) and volunteer opportunities to crew classic vessels or assist coaches.
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Workspace Clean-up Day: A call for all hands on deck for our semi-annual shop clean-up on Saturday, April 25, led by Vic Janezic.
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Gear, Classifieds & Miscellaneous:
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The CABBS Work Apron: Check out the custom waxed-canvas work aprons designed by Jeff Balazs, now available on our online shop.
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Classifieds: A free CLC Jimmy Skiff boat trainer looking for a home with young sailors, premium boatbuilding woods for sale, and a high-quality lost-and-found Carhartt jacket looking for its owner.
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