What Is Noisette Blvd Harboring Now

Exit the former Navy base, recently erected Riverfront Park – turn right onto N. Hobson Ave following the sharp left curve, then immediately yield right onto Noisette Blvd. Rapidly approach the set speed limit of 30 mph, You will near the road laden train tracks and cross a trendy fishing bridge. But just before you make the final jagged left curve headed toward Virginia Ave., be sure to look on the left hand side and you will surely see what appears to be a wooden tunnel from Maryland turnpike or perhaps some strange wooden garden green house. Across the enclosed fence you’ll note some strange almost village lettering, losttrades.com. Curious? I was! So naturally I went to the website. At first I was like - what does an odd shaped wooden doohickey have to do with film making? “Lost Trades is a collection of adventure based individuals with common goals: to bring about positive social and environmental change by building examples of human creativity, expeditioning to places of extreme beauty and documenting these voyages on film.” I began to explore some more and learned that Lost Trades is based on three Brothers from Woodstock, Vermont where the Brothers grew up in the mountains of New England. Somehow with only craftsmanship in their blood, a dream, and determination they came to Charleston, SC. July 2, 1999 on the Stono River, apparently on the old “Burnt Oak Plantation”; 9,000 hours invested - the three Brothers manual built ALLURA. A 50 ft. catamaran, 16,000 lbs. comprised of Okume Mahogany plywood and Douglas Fir, needing only 4 ft. of water when sailing. Certified for 77 passengers, the Brothers sailed the ALLURA to the Caribbean and started a day charter business.

Today, on Noisette Blvd. here in Charleston, SC is part of their GREENHORN BOAT SHOP. It is their MOBILE BOAT SHOP that they are able to pack up the entire warehouse and relocate to other 'port cities and coastal areas around the world.' Hence, the odd shaped tunnel is merely a 'giant tent with removable metal poles and a large tarp cover'. At the Navy Base Revitalization Project on Noisette Blvd, Lost Trades is building a 55 ft. Searunner wooden catamaran. Lost Trades also have an interest in Viking ships, canoes, kayaks, and rowing vessels. They offer apprenticeship and international exchange programs. “We build the highest quality sailing catamarans in the world, with the lowest low-tech tools. A few circular saws, jigsaws, sanders, and drills are all we need to create the ultimate sailing machine out of wood.” The website Lost Trades is a must read for more information on their history, expeditions, films, how to apply for apprenticeship… Meanwhile’ I am continuing to enjoy my rides to and fro work, noting the oblong progress on the craftsmanship. Wondering what their research has found for the 'renewable material for use in marine grade plywood' such as 'Airheart' vs the tropical hardwood. So Readers, be sure to take a look at the progress next time you are in the area! BTW: With as much rain water as Noisette Blvd tends to harbor after every down pour, Lost Trades might want to get started on those canoes!