International Wood International Wood 2006 | Page 26

Modern sailing technology is computerized, so gone are the days of the printed nautical chart and, thus, the need for the fiddled-edged tabletops to keep the chart from slipping off the table. “Modern technology has opened the door to transforming boat interiors,” says Courtney. “Imported woods are showing up in residential-style furniture now. The style is very experimental, much more like what you’d find in high-end homes.” Viking’s Fredericksen reports that teak is the most popular wood for Viking boats. Teak is a wood traditionally associated with nautical design. Manmade teak, only available as an imported product, is in this case made out of obeche by the Italian company Alpi. Obeche is widely distributed in tropical West Africa and is whitish to pale straw in color. The species is peeled into a veneer and then, through a highly advanced process, is trans- formed into an exclusive teak pattern for Viking. The ad- vantage of using manmade teak is that the color and design are always uniform and consistent. Additionally, Philippine mahogany is frequently used for drawer frames for different parts of the boat. Beech occa- sionally makes a client’s list of requests as well. Wood’s style, warmth, and prestige translate across demo- graphics – from the yachting veteran to the novice who has just purchased his first boat. No matter how the tide changes in terms of design preferences and décor, imported wood usage in personal sailing vessels holds its steady course. iw Photo courtesy of Burger Boats. P.O. Box 380 • 501 Market Street Marcus Hook, PA 19061 USA Since 1798 ten miles south of Philadelphia on I-95 610-485-6600 fax: [phone] Tel: [phone] Toll free: 800-232-1798 e-mail: [email protected] www.alanmcilvain.com Toll free: Alan McIlvain Company Quality Hardwood Lumber and Custom Mouldings 5 million board feet in stock – 6 moulders at your service • Mahogany • Spanish Cedar • Sapele Mahogany • African Mahogany (Khaya) • Utile/Sipo • Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry) • Santos Mahogany • Northern Appalachian Hardwoods 26 i m p o r t e d wood