Laying the keel is a momentous occasion for any shipbuilding, signifying the start of the construction. Now, in a great break with tradition for 17th century warships, we didn't start with the keel. But that doesn't mean that we don't get to celebrate!

Also, an old enemy makes a comeback.

Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:05 - Keel
2:41 - Fore and aft stems
5:36 - Something isn't right
6:39 - Something is even worse
8:52 - Fitting the stems
12:18 - Beauty shots

Tools in use:
Cheap clamps
A planer from Jula
The bandsaw (poorly configured in this episode)
A spindle sander (that ate its timing belt on startup)
Endless patience

Materials:
Screws that were meant for steel profile and drywall
Cling foil
Spruce
WEST system epoxy
Port wine
Plastic cups (for both epoxy and port wine - not the same cup! A different cup)
Replacement timing belt

This is part of the Rideable Vasa series where we scratch build a human crewed 1:12 scale version of the Vasa - the massively overbuilt warship built to fight in the great wars of 1628. She was glorious. She sank 1300 meters from the shipyard. We aim to be slightly better.

A project without failure conditions. Either we sail, which is great. Or we sink, which is historically accurate.