Barque "Neptune"

Now Complete! -SOLD-

La "Neptune" is a Swiss Barque du Leman similar to the "Savoie," though smaller. She hails from Geneva and was another transport barque known to carry rock and lumber throughout the Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) area. Latine rigged, set wing and wing, and sailing downwind, this barque is caught in its most picturesque form. Today you board and sail on her from Lake Geneva where she is used for evening cruises and special events.

Due to the quick nature of construction, photos of the early stage of construction are not available.
La "Neptune" will be available for public view at the Fete Voiles Latines in Morge Switzerland on August 14th, 2010 directly beside the castle, where I will be demonstrating how to put this ship in a bottle.

Nearly Ready to go in the Bottle

Aside from the line on the bowsprit to the hull and sawing the boat from the block of wood it was carved on, "Neptune" is ready for the Bottle.
The dime and half franc (same size) give the scale.

The life of a worker on a barque was not an easy one. Working days were long and these boats with their large antennas were not always easy to maneuver. Often the sails were old and as seen above and below were patched multiple times.

Notice the colorful red and yellow hatch, winch, and blue bits. Each Barque had their own color scene and "Neptune" is quite unique with its two different shades of blues.
Below, you can see the rudder and tiller as well as the aft hatch.