'Corky' Rosan - Owner of the Slim Princess, a Phil Bolger Design(view larger plse)

"Corky" is 81 years old, a Psychiatrist, and longtime friend of the well known 'boat builder/designer' Phil Bolger. He sat and spoke with me for some time about his boat, the Slim Princess, and his relationship over the years with Phil Bolger. His story about his boat is quite involved...and I just may Email him to make sure I have the details straight.

 

For the time I spent with him, he was most gracious, and eager to talk about the boat he loves so much. It is a 'schooner' built and loved by Phil Bolger, then sold to a family called the Storeys......and now, Corky has the pleasure of owning this old yet very well built sailing vessel. Unfortunately, due to the onset of 'dementia', Phil Bolger decided he would not leave this world unless it was on his own terms. In June, he took a gun, walked outside, and shot himself in the head......his wife Susanne found him.....although she understood why he did this, it must have been quite a shock to see. I'll have more to tell you about "Corky" & Phil with my next 'posting.

Great portrait! Best regards, Ilkka ;)

Corky is 81 years old, yet he is still an avid sailor....lover of 'Classic

Wooden Boats', and proud owner of a Boat designed by Phil Bolger,

revered the world over for the "range and aquity of his designs". (quote

from the Boston Globe, Wednesday, June 3, 2009) comments welcome...

Gail... A well captured portrait and an equally interesting story line. Thanks for sharing... Mike

 

From a lady with great depth-of-character we are treated to a photo and a narrative also with depth... no pun intended.

This is a terrific character-study portrait. I used to spend my summers around such folks Corky as I haunted the boatyards in and around Westerly and Watch Hill Rhode Island and Mystic Connecticut. This image and text brings back memories of `salty' characters I have known, the smell of oakum and the sounds of wooden vessels. I thank you Gail for the return of those memories.

Nice portrait of a youthful old sailor.

The old salt standing in th cabin of a vintage boat with a classic oil or kerosene lamp next to him jury rigged to hang with sail hank fittings. Yet the modern age has creeped in just a tad as evidenced by the flourescent light secure above his head!! "Swappin' sailing lies" in the cabin at anchor is a past time for us old guys!! Great portrait by the way!!!

Thank you so much for your kind critique..always encouraging. When he first bought this boat it, didn't have a cabin...it was designed so it could be used for 'entertaining'.....but he needed a cabin. He designed the cabin with 'sailing alone' in mind. Every safety 'aid', instrument, 'et all' has to be withing immediate 'arms length''; also he designed it so that he could stand up inside. The modern conveniences that he does have I think are there, partly due to his age. His 'love' of his 'prized possession', I think, is what keeps him sailing. He used to have it docked in New York State...but due to his age has it now docked in Etobicoke, Ontario. I had asked him if he sailed all the way from New York, as I couldn't imagine how he would have done it on his own.

 

He told me about Etobicoke, and how it makes his 'sails' much easier, and just has to go out on Lake Ontario. Although, even from Etobicoke....it would have been a long enough sail for a man of his age. I think he will 'sail' his ol' beauty as long as he is able. Tnks again for taking the tme to 'visit'....!.......Gail

Thank you both for 'visiting'.....it seems there are a lot of folk out there who truly love the old 'classic wooden boats'. I appreciate your very encouraging and kind comments.....I truly enjoyed my time talking with this most interesting man....sincerely, Gail

Isn't it something how an image truly brings old memories 'flooding in'. Then the sense of 'smell' comes in and even more memories are rekindled.....our senses are truly 'a blessing' that we often take for granted.....I can't imagine not being able to smell, hear...and especially see. I'm glad this image gave you 'moments of reflection'......thankyou for your kind words Dave.....always appreciated....sincerely, Gail

Beautiful portrait, beautiful story, very well done.

 

Regards.

 

Alberto

Buen retrato y buena explicación, Saludos

Splendid "natural" portrait, great documentry by you also....Regards

your kind words, and appreciation for this photo are so very much appreciated.....not to mention my admiration for your work....wonderful photos.....that show great 'heart'...many thanks,Gail

Thankyou for your kind words, support, and appreciation for this 'shot'. Also thankyou for your beautiful photos that you continually share with us all......a 'glimpse' of beauty every time we visit your 'portfolio'.....sincerely, Gail.

many thanks for your critique on this photo and for your remarks on the 'documentary' also.......much appreciation....for this and for all the help and support you so generously 'give'........my respects, Gail

Gail, very good portrait . His smile & glint in the eyes show that he still enjoys the fizz of life . Cropping,exposure,light and your introduction are very good. Take care

Yes, you 'read' him right ! The glint in his eye....was especially brilliant as he told me the 'interwoven story of his boat and some of it's adventures'.......very kind man, and a pleasure to spend time with. Thankyou sincerely for your very encouraging critique..sincerely, Gail

Gail, nice portrait, good light and especially life story that connects nicely to the photo. The busy BG does not disturbs me here and adds to his surrounding.

( another possibility can be a square format without the upper yellow element). Just a thought.

Thankyou very much for your kind words. ...and also your suggestion....they are both very much appreciated....sincerely, Gail

This is the "capture of the day" from your time at the wooden boat day.

 

The pride and happiness on Corky's face, the inclusion of the lace curtains, the brass lamp and the woodwork really capture the feeling of what the character of the boat must be like. A real story telling picture.

 

In addition you have the history and story captured in words. Wow, the beginnings of a documentary photographer...... "Look out Life magazine here we come"

 

Really good and interesting work Gail, congratulations

 

All my best, Bill

Thank you so much Bill.....I couldn't write fast enough....but he will Email me to help with the details....all he wanted to do was to talk about the history of this 'vessel' that he loves so much......I don't know about 'LIfe Magazine"....perhaps 'Readers Digest'???? tnks again Bill

I suspect you have it in you to aim high

I'm GUILTY.......'self sabotauge'..............must change that habit.......tnks for your confidence in me.....Gail

Dear Gail, Happy new year to you and your family. Corky story and your involvement with him is what life is all about for me. Conecting with others and supporting and listening to each other is what is all about! I love it. Warm regards my friend.