I could not agree more on Tim Lackey.
I have had two mentors throughout my long 6 1/2 year rebuild of the Far Reach. Both of them gave freely with their time and were instrumental in my efforts. We would never have been able to achieve the outcome on the Far Reach that we did without both of them.
Tim was more than just a consultant--he was/is a Zen Master--I a mere grasshopper. Tim talked me off the ledge more than once; he advised me on technical issues; encouraged me when I thought I had lost my mind; cheered me on when I needed it; and help me develop solutions and options to what seemed like vexing problems. He helped me keep my sequences simple when I wanted to make them complicated. I will write more about Tim Lackey on my website in the near future.
The other was Kaj Jacobson. A certified Swedish Cabinet Maker, a tremendous sailor and adventurer, and a wonderful boat builder in his own right. Much of my woodworking technique was based on long explanation he provided to me. Kaj has also become a trusted friend. We are philosophically aligned and he understood intuitively what I wanted to achieve with the Far Reach.
http://knjwoodworking.blogspot.com/2009 ... chive.html
Both of these highly competent artist/craftsman have their fingerprints all over the Far Reach.
At some point, I intend to write a separate post on our website regarding the art and importance of mentorship and what it means on for the mentor and the mentored. We would be lost without this timeless essential relationship.
Both of these men are at the top of the pyramid in my view--not just for their impressive competence but for their willingness to share what they know to make us more skilled. Both have also become great friends. I'd go to the end of the world for either one of them.
