John Cork
My journey to ship model building began during the summer of 1974, with adventures sailing a Hampton One (# 601) on Sarah’s Creek, and in the York River. Before that time, my boating experiences had been limited to canoeing as a Water Safety Instructor Trainer for the American Red Cross.
In 2004, my Hampton One days far behind me, it occurred to me that there were perhaps other ways to recall the enjoyment found in sailing. That is when interest in radio-controlled sail-boats began. The enthusiastic reaction from my wife to my first model, and the fun we had “sailing” in our neighborhood lake were encouraging. Very quickly, I found the building more enjoyable and satisfying than the sailing, and upon retirement the decision was made to concentrate on the building.
In my early days of volunteering at The Mariners’ Museum, I spoke with Ron Lewis who was volunteering at the “Taco Stand.” We had first met when he was president of the PTA at Dutrow Elementary School, and we readily struck up a conversation. Ron explained his role there in the “Taco Stand,” and The Hampton Roads Ship Model Society. I continue to enjoy learning modeling skills, and the opportunity that membership in HRSMS has contributed to these skills.