Williamsburg, VA - “Flotilla 67 Donates Hand Crafted Chart Table and Throttle Box Cover”

During a Flotilla 67 meeting of 18 November, 2010, Todd Egnor, then Vice Flotilla Commander,, made a presentation concerning the deterioration and disrepair of the chart table and throttle box cover on board the Coast Guard Barque Eagle.

Todd and Capt Eric Jones (Photo by Lt Jeff Janaro)

Todd’s main job is that of a marine repair supervisor aboard 17th Century Settlement Ships at Jamestown, Virginia. They consist of the “Godspeed,” “Discovery” and “Susan Constant.” They are replicas of Captain Christopher Newport’s flotilla to the New World in 1607 to find the settlement at Jamestown in the Virginia Colony.

Todd’s experience with large sailing vessels and good Coast Guard Auxiliary skills has enabled him to garner qualification aboard CGC Eagle as a communications watchstander. Over the years, as an Auxiliarist sailing CGC Eagle, Todd noticed the deterioration of the Eagle’s wooden chart table and throttle box cover. This was primarily due to heavy weather conditions, constant use and overall age.

Todd checking the compass rose

He presented the Flotilla with photos of his discovery and suggested that with the finance restrictions presently facing the Coast Guard perhaps the Flotilla could take on the responsibility of funding the materials for this project. Todd, with his marine repair experience, could fabricate the new chart table and throttle box cover.

Todd Egnor working on Eagle's Chart Table

Flotilla 67, located in the historic city of Williamsburg, Virginia, felt this was an opportunity to assist the Coast Guard with a very historic vessel. Other members of Flotilla 67 have worked as volunteers aboard the Jamestown, Virginia replica vessels and as such have always been interested in one of the most historic ships still under sail with the USCG Barque Eagle. On at a meeting on 18 November 2010 the members agreed to help fund the project.

With the funding in hand, Todd procured the necessary materials and worked on the project in his home workshop. Todd is an experienced wood craftsman who performed many hours of his own time to produce a quality product. With funds supplied by the Flotilla he acquired marine plywood as well as special colored woods for his inlays.

The compass rose consisted of 64 different cut inlays to represent 64 different points on the compass. The colors of the compass rose, (white, yellow, red and two shades of green), are representative of 17th and 18th century chart designs. For the throttle box cover, Todd designed inlays of colored wood representing the “MK” rating symbol for the mechanics that man the ship’s engine room when underway.

The overall project took lots of exact cutting, sanding, inlay of wood and lots of varnish. When finished, the two pieces were a masterful work of artistic craftsmanship.

Flotilla members were given the opportunity to decide how they would be represented in this operation. Brass plates were to be designed for the table and throttle box cover with inscriptions on each. The inscription on each plate will read “USCG BARQUE EAGLE, Restoration materials provided by Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 67, Williamsburg, Virginia, June 1, 2011”. The Captain and Crew of the USCG Barque Eagle will provide the brass plates and inscriptions.

Todd placed the articles in his pick up truck in Williamsburg, Virginia and drove to New London, Connecticut on 7 March, 2011. On 8 March he made the presentation to Captain Eric Jones aboard the CGC Eagle.

The Auxiliary can be proud knowing we have contributed to the betterment of USCG Barque Eagle. Semper Paratus!

 

 

 

 

 

 

~efl 04-22-11