March 1, 2006
Article
Reverse Sheer
by Steve Cartwright



From his home at the head of Somes Sound, E. Farnham Butler can see his life's work, the Mount Desert Yacht Yard, and out to the sea that still calls to him.

E. Farnum Butler in the rigging of his Controversy Steve Cartwright
At 96, he is still sharp and willing to discuss the boatbuilding that sustained him for a lifetime. From his living room he can see his reverse-sheer Controversy, a 36-foot prototype of a line of sailboats he produced in the 1950s and `60s before he turned the yard over to son John.

He still sails CONSTELLATION when he can find a few sailors to haul on lines. Over tea and cookies served by his wife, Gladys, he told how he went out for an afternoon of sailing once and came home eight days later. When friends threw a party for his birthday, he missed it because he was off sailing.

You can brag about sailing, but cruising can humble you, too. Once, heading out of Pulpit Harbor for Stonington in thick fog, he ran ashore on an island he didn't recognize in the fog. He sent Gladys to talk to some people off on the beach. When she came back she told him, "They don't know where they are, either."

Butler dropped out of Harvard in 1930 to pursue building boats in Maine, and when his prep school headmaster father heard this, he said, "Talk to my friend Charlie." That turned out to be Navy Secretary Charles Francis Adams, who advised young Butler he needed an independent income to be a boatbuilder. Adams sent him to MIT yacht designer George Owen, who urged him to get a job at Fore River Shipyards in Quincy, Massachusetts, part of Bethlehem Steel. He worked there two years, then returned to Harvard to earn a degree in economics.

His ties to Maine go back to boyhood, and summers in Southwest Harbor. He remembers being around one winter, walking across the frozen harbor to a three-masted schooner and climbing to the masthead.

The Butler name -- he lives in Butler Road -- is a household word around the yacht yards of Mount Desert Island. Farmhand Butler was a maverick; he decided a reverse sheer would create a stable, roomy and sea-kindly boat. "That concept revolutionized yacht design in that it got people away from thinking of them as a fishboat. Everyone knew what sheer was, it was so you could haul a lobster trap aboard."

Butler's career spanned several decades and many sailboats, starting with traditional designs and shifting to the controversial reverse sheer -- hence the name "Controversy."

Butler first met Gladys when she was looking for a small sailboat and she told him she had $100 to spend. He was skeptical that anything afloat would be that cheap, but he found a 19-foot Alden "O" boat on the Cranberry Isles, and picked it up for less than $100. Of course, the sailing lessons were free. They've been married 67 years, and Butler said "she was a big help in the business."

At his age, Butler has seen a lot of change. He said it cost him $9,000 to build his waterfront house back in the 1940s. Then it cost him $9,000 to build a wing on the house in the 1960s. Finally, it cost him $9,000 just to add a bathroom in the 1990s.

His collaborator on the reverse sheer concept, yacht designer Cyrus Hamlin of Scarborough, said Butler was very forthright in his views. "But the customers, they always brought theirboats back."

Hamlin and Butler both recalled Yachting magazine editor Bill Robinson, who at first scoffed at their unusual designs. But then he tried sailing one -- his picture appeared in Yachting at the helm -- he loved the boat, bought it and sailed it all over the Caribbean.

The Mount Desert Yacht Yard is best known for building Amphibicons.These glued-strip wooden sloops, 25 feet from stem to stern, were a revolutionary idea. They lacked the classic sheer of sail yachts, and that took some getting used to, and earned the Amphibicon a sort of outsider reputation. But these light-displacement boats sailed very handily, staying dry in rough seas and responding well in light winds.

(I grew up on one. In 1955 my parents bought an Amphibicon kit, which meant they had to finish the cabin and some other details. It was Amphibicon Number 23, and it did turn heads when we sailed among conventional yachts. My family trailered our boat from South Norwalk, Connecticut to Tenants Harbor, Maine. We lived on board, turning our Amphibicon into an RV, which led to a cute photo in the Boston Globe.)

Hamlin, over 80 and still sailing, said he and Butler were impressed with British reverse sheer designs that gave sailboats remarkable stability and a spacious cabin. In fact, the decks were high enough to situnder, and created full headroom below the raised cabin roof. All this in a shallow-draft, centerboard boat that could easily be trailered behind the family station wagon.

Butler said he considered the design "an amphibious controversy." "These boats used plywood bulkheads and cedar strips bonded with waterproof glue developed by the U.S. Navy. Without that glue, the Amphibicon and the Controversy would never have been built." Eventually, dozens more Amphibicons were built of fiberglass by other boatyards.

Butler and Hamlin didn't always hit it off, and they parted company after six years. "I owe a great deal to Cy," Butler said. "One thing I've learned is that nobody but nobody does it all." Amphibicons were produced from 1954 onwards, for a total of more than 125 sloops in all.

As fiberglass took over the market, the demand for wooden sailboats sank. Butler, never very fond of fiberglass boats, said "that's what killed the individual boatbuilder. Fiberglass came along and killed wooden boats."

Storage and repair became the bread-and-butter of Mount Desert Yacht Yard. Among those storing their boats was Admiral Richard Byrd, the explorer. This year, Morris Yachts of Bass Harbor leased Butler's yacht facilities in Northeast Harbor, and son John Butler has consolidated his business at Somes Sound.

Farnham Butler no longer builds boats. He began his career with a 10-foot rowboat, and ended it building another peapod. Somehow, despite running a busy boat yard, he and Gladys managed to sail some 25,000 miles,mostly in the Gulf of Maine but also Florida and the Bahamas. As a young man he raced his father's schooner, MALABAR III, to Bermuda. All those miles are documented in Butler's logbooks. Besides son John, Farnham and Gladys have a son Ned, two daughters, Betsy and Lydia; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

MAINTENANCE/DAMAGE CONTROL
Extra wire, connectors, tape. New solder gun - to be purchased.
Tri-flow, Lanocote silicone spray, starting fluid.
2 Fins, masks, snorkels, wet suits, weight belts. - backups to be purchased before departure.
Spare zinc collars, Spare zinc plates - to be purchased.
Tubes of silicone caulking, Kidaflex and Dolfinite.
Underwater epoxy putty, both slow cure and fast cure.
Fiberglass material/tape and resin and catalyst.
Spare fuses or circuit breakers. Sandpaper (wet/dry), paint and varnish, primer, thinner and brushes.
Bottom paint.
Plywood for emergency hull and cabin side repair and large nails.
Extra squares of canvas for use as collision mat.
4 foot 2x4 that can be stowed on Zest and large hose clamps for splinting.
Large assortment of nuts, bolts and screws, etc.
Emergency marine SSD/HAM antenna.
Good metal primer acids etch.
Tampered plugs and bungies. Attached to the thru-hulls.
Expanded inflatable repair kit glue, material, valves, chemicals, etc.

Seasickness Medication: Bonine, Dramamine, ginger capsules or other remedies that work for you and your crew. Add Sudafed or No-doz to counteract drowsiness from antihistamines.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications for aches and pains: Ibuprofen (Motrin) or
Naproxen sodium (Aleve), and enteric coated aspirin (Ecotrin); acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain
relief and fever.
Sun Protection: Waterproof sunscreen with SPF 25 that blocks both UVA and UVB, Labiosan lip balm, zinc oxide for covering the nose, 100% Aloe Vera gel and topical 1% hydrocortisone cream for serious sunburn. Special-purpose, high-grade polarized sunglasses that block 99% of UVB and 60% UVA.
Minor wound care materials: Waterproof adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes including finger and knuckle strips, New-Skin antiseptic liquid bandage, Benzalkonium (BZK) antiseptic wipes, antibacterial soap, and antibiotic ointment. Selsum Blue for body wash.
Medical instruments blood pressure monitoring device for people with hypertension.
Non-prescription pharmaceuticals: for common minor medical problems: Visine drops for sun-irritated eyes, sterile eye wash, Blistex for chapped lips, Mylanta and Zantac for heartburn and indigestion, Milk of Magnesia for constipation, Imodium and Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea, Tinactin powder and Lamisil cream for fungal skin irritations in the groin and feet (jock itch, athletes foot), Monistat vaginal cream or suppositories for yeast infections, Afrin nasal spray and Sudafed for sinus, inner car and nasal congestion, Robitussin-DM cough syrup, Benadryl antihistamine for allergies and insomnia, Preparation H for hemorrhoids, skin fissures and skin ulcers, Eucerin with PABA for dry skin and salt sores, Otic Domeboro for treating swimmer's car, Swim-EAR to prevent swimmer's ear, and multivitamins.
Insect repellent: Sawyer Controlled Release DEET Formula (a 24-hour protection for adults and children formulated for minimal absorption of DEET).
Rubbing alcohol or vinegar for inactivating the stings of jellyfish, anemones, & other sea creatures.
Personal medication for existing medical problems and anticipated complications; review with your personal physician and the ship's medical officer.
The Ship's Primary Medical Kit
The following medications require a prescription. They have been selected because they are easy to administer, have convenient dose schedules, show little to no incidence of sun sensitivity reactions, and are effective for a broad spectrum of applications for the sick crewmate.
Antibiotics:
Cephalexin (Keflex) for infections involving teeth, ears, sinuses, skin, wounds, respiratory, and urinary tract.
Levofloxacin (Levaquin) for infections in the bowel, gallbladder, female pelvic organs, prostate, and urinary tract; excellent for skin, ear, sinus, and respiratory infections; slight risk of photosensitivity reactions, so cover up!
Azithromycin (Zithromax) for all infections in the upper and lower respiratory tract, including tonsillitis, ear infections, sinusitis bronchitis, and pneumonia. Dispensed in convenient blister pack for 5 days of treatment.
Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan)��"topical ophthalmic drops for eye and external ear canal infections.
Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (Ilotycin) for eye infections and corneal abrasions.
*Denavir cream for oral herpes
*Valacylovir HCL (Valtrex) for Herpes Zoster (shingles) and Herpes Simplex (fever blisters).
*Fluconizole (Diflucan) for vaginal yeast.
*Metronidazole (Flagyl)��"Added to Levofloxacin for severe intra-abdominal infections e.g. peritoni-tis, appendicitis, diverticulitis, uterine and fallopian tube infections; also dental infections.
Seasickness:
Transdermal Scopolamine (Transderm-Scop) patches.
Promethazine HCL (Phenergan) pills and suppositories for nausea and vomiting.
Narcotic Analgesics:
Oxycodone with acetaminophen (Percocet)
*Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) suppository
Psychiatric Medications:
*Risperidone (Risperdal) for psychotic behavior
*Clonazepam (Klonopin) for severe anxiety
Cardiovascular Medications:
Aspirin
Surgical Supplies:
Bandage scissors
Unsterile latex or nitrile gloves
Cotton-tipped sterile applicators and tongue blades
Tweezers and magnifier for foreign body removal
Topical anesthetic LET gel or 10% topical lidocaine
No. 11 scalpel blade and handle for drainage of an abscess
Nu-Gauze iodoform packing strips for draining wounds
*Sterile paper drapes and gloves
*Suture kit��"prepackaged kit with optimum assortment of equipment, supplies, anesthetic, and sutures
Wound Care Materials:
Silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) cream for burns
Skin super glue (Dermabond) for topical closure of easily approximated lacerations on face, trunk, and limbs
Wound closure forceps for use with tissue adhesive
Skin-closure strips (Steri-strip, 3M) Benzoin swabs to increase adhesiveness of tape and skin closure strips
Waterproof adhesive tape 4" Kling or Conform roll gauze bandage
Tegaderm��"a transparent, occlusive dressing for abrasions, lets in air but not water
Adaptic 3"x3" non-adhering wound dressing
Hydrogel occlusive dressing to absorb fluids from weeping burns and open wounds
Sterile gauze dressing pads��"2"x2", 3"x3", and 4"x4"
Trauma Pads��"8"x10" and 5"x9"
Allergic Reactions:
Epinephrine auto-injector (Epi E•Z Pen) for anaphylaxis
Prednisone for severe envenomation and allergic reactions
Betamethasone Valerate (Valisone) 0.1% topical cream for contact dermatitis
*Loratadine/pseudoephrine (Claritin-D), a non-sedating 24-hour antihistamine
Dental Kit:
Super-Dent or Cavit dental mixture for temporary filling, loose crowns and broken teeth
Oil of Cloves (Eugenol) for topical dental analgesia
*More extensive dental kit (with instructions)
Gynecological Supplies:
*Urine pregnancy HCG kit
Miscellaneous:
Tetracaine anesthetic eye drops
Large safety pins (many uses)
Duct tape (many uses)
Optional Medical Equipment And Supplies:
Blood pressure cuff
Digital thermometer
Reusable hot water bottle
Sawyer extractor for evenomations and stings
Ipecac syrup and activated charcoal��"for accidental poison ingestion
Antiseptic pads with added 2.5% lidocaine (a kinder way to clean wounds, especially abrasions)
Auralgan otic solution for ear pain
Chloraseptic throat spray
Benadryl chewable tablets for allergic reactions

SAFETY
1 HAM Radio. Hams can talk to anyone. They also monitor the maritime mobile ham nets so we can get up-to-date news/weather even when there is no satellite coverage.
1 Jack line on each side of the length of the boat - to be installed month of departure.
2 safety harnesses. To be purchased month of departure.
1 safety harness and tether for Zora for passage making.
1 safety crate for Abaco for passage making.
2 Personal strobes and 2 whistles on lanyards. - to be purchased.
Man overboard strobe.
Man over board 20' pole - to be purchased.
Horseshoe buoy - t o be purchased.
Ladder attached on back for means to get back on board.
Radar reflector/detector.
Distress strobe.
4 Flashlights for each area of the boat. - to be purchased.
Powerful spotlight/beam gun.
Bleach to add to fresh water. - to be purchased one month before departure.
2 rigid buckets. Sun detergent buckets -square in shape - so no rolling. 
Air horn and refill can.
Boom gallows - cockpit.
Anchors - 2- 45's and 1- 30.
Chain - a freaking bathtub full.
Rode - 600 feet.
Chafe gear.
Extra shackles, Swivels and Seizing wire.
Anchor buoy and line - to be purchased.
Safety netting for entire length of Zest to keep us all safe, Steve, Darcy, Zora and Abaco.
Hard Bottom Dinghy. A 10 foot Trinka with oars, rainbow colored sails and a 15 hp gamefisher engine. Named : "Lemon."
Inflatable Dinghy. 10 foot Saturn with oars and a 5 hp Mercury engine. Named : "The Wedge"
1 Oh Shit Bag. Miscellaneous goodies including one nice bottle of tequila.
Satellite Phone- to be purchased.