The definition of an open boat is one that is propelled by sail and/or oar. It may be partly decked or completely open. Originally, open boats were made of wood. Now we have metal, fibreglass and plastics; but, as J B Priestly wrote, "No message comes from these man-made materials". It is because wood, no matter how split, trimmed or planed, remains ‘alive’. Rain, sun and seasons have passed through it, but somehow it still lives. Grain, colour and texture govern the model shipwright’s choice of wood. The smaller the scale, the more exotic the choice. Burma, India, America, Africa - all send us this wondrous material to clench, clinker and carvel.