See the New Solo 14 video

January 2009 Newsletter By Harold Aune VP

From all of us here at Whitehall, Happy New Year 2009!

This small print of a drawing, done by Picasso on January 17, 1921 sits in a place of honor in Marie’s office here. While signifying many things to her, the biggest one is that we are all holding hands in this life. Our customers know their boats are an extension of this, they can rely on them to always be there for the rest of their lives when needed; a link to that which makes them whole, their place in the natural world.

We’re all in this together, and it’s been so great hearing from many of you throughout December concerned for how we’re doing, wishing us well and sharing your heartfelt stories. They continually lift our spirits. Thanks to those who made the time to write, including the beautiful Whitehall Christmas card the Shannon’s created and to all of you who’ve been such a great support to us over the past 24 years.

This year we’ll be sure to focus on as many of your great stories, tips, contributions and suggestions as we can.

If you’re planning on getting that boat this year, or know someone who is, don’t delay. Become one of many who have absolutely no regrets they ordered when they did. Instead they list the many ways their boat has improved their lives. Read on…

Waiting for the thaw…

Burt Reeve of the Sunshine Coast sent this picture of his Whitehall Spirit 14  and says, “…it sits on a raft with rollers and a launching ramp. It goes into the water and comes out in about 10 minutes each way. It is a great arrangement. I rowed 57 times in 2008 and would have done more were it not for weather, skiing, swimming and Hawaii.

It’s Sunny in Texas!

Just for contrast, here’s what those lucky folks down in places like Texas get to have for weather these days. This is a 17’ Whitehall Spirit™ on a beautiful EZ Dock system with all the options. The EZ dock people supplied the picture. Is this your boat?

Green enough?

We’ve been contemplating the “green” spin that so many are incorporating into their marketing material now. Is 2009 the year for us to do the same? Somehow it seems a bit too contrived. We know that rowing and sailing  are green activities, and with well made, long lasting boats that requires next to no maintenance, there’s very little waste or pollution involved. Fitness and health are great returns. When building the boats we’ve always kept waste to a minimum and recycle whatever we can. Our biggest achievement has been to create boats that are being cherished and are built so well that they will likely never end up in a landfill, at least in this century.

Why Rowing Makes Sense to Me

Here’s an inspiring submission from one of the first contributors and a runner up in the contest of last fall. Read it and you’ll want to row now!

When I climb into my small rowboat I feel more alive and more at peace than anywhere else in my time or place.  My small vessel answers to the slightest variation of my will; it feels alive. We move together in near silence into a wildness found only on the water.  There is near inaudible hiss which fluctuates in pitch and character as I bring the vessel up to cruising speed. The oar locks creak as the oars slice into the water and exit together. My pulse rises and I begin to inhale and exhale more frequently as the vessel builds speed.  The air is new, the stink of man’s machines gone from the world. Wildlife surrounds me.  I watch fish, fish watch me. I watch birds watch me. Sometimes, I wish the row would never end. Eventually I tire and return to the land. I must be one of the luckiest men alive.

W. Giebel

Seattle Boat Show Jan 23 to Feb 1 at Quest Field.

Tell your friends we will be at the Seattle International Boat Show again this year! Come and visit us in the East Hall at Booth 1126. The show runs from Jan 23 to Feb 1. This year we will display a Whitehall Spirit 17 Expedition model a Whitehall Spirit 14 and Tyee 14 sail /slide plus a Westcoast 11’6” and a few Solo 14s. If you are in the area come and check them out and meet us in person.