2 minute read
Marine Industry Spotlight
By Kristen Deason
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“The desire to build a house is the tired wish of a man content thenceforward with a single anchorage. The desire to build a boat is the desire of youth, unwilling yet to accept the idea of a fi nal resting-place. It is for that reason, perhaps, that, when it comes, the desire to build a boat is one of those that cannot be resisted.” -Arthur Ransome, Racundra’s First Cruise (1923)
Kayaks and a small wooden boat, just inside the front entrance to the shop. Photo by Kristen Deason
On the inland side of Daufuskie Island, adjacent to Freeport Marina, sits a stunning post and beam barn, housing Mike & Joanne Loftus’ business venture: Daufuskie Wine & Woodworks. After vacationing on Daufuskie Island with their three children for nearly 30 years, Mike and Joanne relocated from the Northeast several years ago to reside on the island full-time.
Daufuskie Wine & Woodworks is in its third year of operation, but the story behind the shop began years ago, in Connecticut, when Mike and their children surprised Joanne with a wooden kayak on her birthday. Joanne was thrilled with the beautiful boat that she could use to enjoy the water, but it wasn’t until her husband and children showed her a video of them hand-crafting the kayak that Joanne realized the sentimental value behind the gift. This project sparked a love for the craftmanship of boat building and when Mike and Joanne settled down on Daufuskie, they soon built the shop.
Many residents of the lowcountry share the joy of paddling with the tides in a kayak or on a paddleboard. How much would that joy be magnifi ed if you could admire the curves, sanded edges, and lines of your vessel, knowing it had been hand-crafted locally?
Loftus uses wooden boat kits from Chesapeake Light Craft, which has over 150 designs to choose from, including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, surfb oards, sailboats, powerboats, and rowboats.
In addition to boat building, there’s also a wine shop on the premises. It’s stocked with organic, sustainable, and low production wines from vineyards throughout the world, in addition to local craft beer. Also available for sale are small handmade objects such as bottle openers, cutting boards, knives, and other gifts, some of which are made from driftwood or dock debris that washed ashore after recent hurricanes. The next time you’re on the island, stop in and visit the Loftus family at Daufuskie Wine and Woodworks.
Above - A view of the workshop with a hull in progress in the foreground. Photo provided by Daufuskie Wine and Woodworks
Above - The Wine Shop, featuring organic wines from small vineyards. Photo provided by Daufuskie Wine and Woodworks. Left - The barn that houses the family-owned business. Photo by Kristen Deason
