Idem Wooden Sailboats and the Adirondacks

I had the pleasure of visiting my friend and telemark ski mentor, Jim Sausville, recently at his workshop in Saranac Lake. Jim is a fine wood craftsman extraordinar, with a specialty in historic wooden boat restoration. I was treated to a tour and explanation of his current project; restoration of one of only twelve Idem wooden sailboats in existence. Jim is working on the project with Master Builder, Jim Cameron.
The photo features birthday boy, Jim Sausville, in front, and Jim Cameron, toward the back, hand-sanding the wooden mast for the Idem wooden sailboat, "Elfmere." The history of these boats is extremely interesting. They were designed by naval architect, Clinton Crane in the early 1900s specifically for races on the St. Regis Lake in the northern Adirondacks. The fleet, that still sails each summer on these waters, is the oldest, still-racing class of original one design sailboats in America. I will feature more information about these boats and St.Regis Lake as I am extremely interested in the historical aspect of the races and "Great Camp" culture of the Adirondacks.
Many happy returns Jim!