The previous post showed the barkentine Gazela in position in the graving dock. Today we take a look at her on the blocks. These photos are large on purpose. They’re excellent eye-candy for people who appreciate all things nautical. Let’s start with the long view:
Sailing vessel Gazela on the blocks at the former Philadelphia Navy Yard.
Moving closer, here’s a dramatic view of the bow.
Bow of the Gazela in the graving dock at former Philadelphia Navy Yard.
And here’s a view of the stern:
Looking up at the stern of Gazela on the blocks at former Philadelphia Navy Yard.
And finally here’s a view from above of both Gazela and the lightering barge.
Gazela and barge in graving dock at former Philadelphia Navy Yard.
Now the work begins, repairs and refits. Keeping any vessel afloat is lots of work. The reward is in the sail afterward. Stay posted for more updates. (For those interested, these photos were taken with a Nikon D810 and 17-35mm lens.)
The guys are working to reattach the bow fender, which is no easy task given that it has to be bent and pulled fast to the shape of the hull. Here is a shot of stern:
You can see the scale of the hull and that single propeller by comparing both to the man standing on the right. The propeller is about six feet in diameter, which may sound large, but is actually small as things go in these matters. This boat has an engine that develops a mere 850 horsepower. Here’s a closer look at that prop.
It’s all shiny and clean for today. Won’t be long before this boat is back in the water, towing barges, nudging larger vessel to the dock, and roaming the harbor in search of work. The Thomas Brown is a handsome boat, one that features traditional lines that passed down from the earliest of vessels. It’s also the last of a breed. Single screw boats are simply not built anymore. So, when this one is finished, it’ll be lost to the scrapper’s torch. But not yet! There’s still work to be done.
The Bent Page 
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