"Hard work and craic" - life is all rowing for Ken McDonald

Any rower will tell you that to practice rowing is to search for the perfection of that one repetitive movement. It is the flow of rowing together, feeling the run of the boat underneath. It is at the intersection of science and art. Ken McDonald, of Shannon Rowing Club, Limerick, Ireland, knows that all too well.  Starting his rowing career at the age of 14, Ken now holds many national titles, has participated in World Cup races, and masters competitions around the world. And he is still wildly passionate about the sport, on and off the water: he recently completed a two year project – a model eight of the Husky Clipper, the famed boat that won gold in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

After reading “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown, Ken – like many others – felt inspired. The story itself, the elegance of the Husky Clipper, the common goal of those nine individuals, the journey and determination. We recently chatted with Ken to learn more about his project:

What made you choose the Boys in the Boat as the inspiration behind the eight?

I have always been fascinated with the story of The Boys in the Boat. The craftsmanship, design and labour that went in to the building of the racing shell is incredible. The beauty, synchronicity and elegance of an 8+ has always captured my imagination. To be part of a crew in a state of flow is a feeling of elation I have been fortunate to experience. I wanted to capture the point in the stroke where the boat appears to fly.

Have you made models like this one before? If so, how did you get into this craft?

In 2004, I represented Ireland in the men’s lightweight quadruple sculls at the World Rowing Championships in Banyoles, Spain. A young man was selling a model 8+ on the bank of the lake. I bought it, framed it and decided to present it to my Club, who had supported me on my journey. I did carpentry in school and qualified as a fitter in the Guinness Brewery Dublin. I now work as a Police Instructor at the Police Training College in Tipperary. I enjoy working with my hands and problem solving to overcome any impediments while I work. Shaping the wood for the shell and steel for the riggers is therapeutic. My entire focus is on the job at hand, the worries and stress of life float away.

How long did the project take you?

I received a lot of requests about the 8+ I had framed in 2004, so I decided to build another one as a pet project. I built every part by hand and perfected the craft as I progressed. The work was slow and intricate. Interest and demand for the boat was so high that I decided to build a batch of boats. Framing costs alone were expensive so I trained and qualified as a framer. I invested in some specialised tools and purchased some Irish oak for the shell of the boats. I sent drawings of the seats, slide rails, blades and decking to a moulding company in England for casting. The riggers are handmade as are the remainder of the oars and tiller. The project has taken over two years so far. I have three children and two dogs. Finding the time while working and training is a challenge.

How many models did you make? The first photos show many blocks of wood (that became the rowing shells), are these all separate models, or was there lots of trial and error?

I am currently working on ten models. Assembling and crafting the parts is painstakingly slow at times. It takes a lot of concentration and a steady hand. The wheels for the seats are the size of the ball in a ball point pen. Bending and measuring each rigger takes patience and focus. It is rewarding though to see the boats taking shape. There is a real sense of achievement making the models. There was some trial and error to start. Deciding on what materials to use and how to assemble them was a challenge. All of the lengths of wood in the photo are being used and crafted into boats.

What inspired the project? What made you choose the Boys in the Boat as the inspiration behind the eight?

The Story of the Boys in the Boat inspired me to try and replicate a version of their 8. It is an epic story that has captured the hearts and minds of people worldwide. Nine individuals came together with a common goal of winning Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Their journey and determination fascinated me. Their experience often motivates me while I train and row. The Huskey Clipper is a beautiful example of engineering and craftsmanship. It was designed and built using the technology that was available at the time. Its sleek, flawless and harmonious shape is a thing of beauty.

What references did you have for making the boat? Did you have to pick out the details from the book, did you have images to base it off of?

When designing and building my own model boats I referenced the video footage of the race which is available to view on You tube. I used screen shots and images from the race to measure and scale the build. There are photos online of the eight hanging above the crews dining hall inside the Conibear Shellhouse on the shores of lake Washington. I used some of these photographs to inspire and guide my models.

Do you have any more projects like this one planned?

I have had a few enquiries regarding Model 4s, quads doubles, pairs and sculls. I have lengths of wood ready to begin making some fours. It’s a challenge making a model that replicates the scale and design of an actual boat. I relish the challenge and delight in finishing a model that looks the part.

Can you tell us a bit more about your rowing experience? You mentioned you have raced for Ireland, and that you hold a few World Records at the moment. Are you still actively competing?

I started Rowing with Shannon Rowing Club in Limerick when I was 14. I was successful at National level winning 11 senior national championship. I raced with the Irish National Team at the World Championships in 2004 in the lightweight quad. I was part of the lightweight 8 winning A silver at the World cup in Lucerne 2005. I have a number of national and World records at lightweight 40+ including the 500m, 1km and 24hr Team event. I’ve had success at Masters, World and European Championships in 4s and 8s. I won Gold at the Crash Bs in 2014. I’m still actively competing and training. I am race ready in case a challenge comes up. Boston Head is a favourite as is The Rhine Marathon in Germany and Henley Masters. Rowing is a part of my life. I enjoy the discipline, friendships , hard work and craic. It’s my passion and I love it.

Ken is on both Twitter and Instagram.