SeaCanvas, Egg Harbor Township, N.J.

In November 2006, Alex Bell of Mariner Canvas Co., New Bern, N.C., a beloved member of MFA, passed away unexpectedly. The MFA renamed the New Member Award in his memory.

This project, which won the Alex Bell New Member Award of the 2009 MFA Awards, involved the design of a dodger and bimini for a bluewater sailboat. The project featured traditional dodger design with the highest quality stainless steel tubing using a three-frame, 1 14-inch stainless steel bimini frame and two frame, 1-inch stainless steel dodger frame. The purpose was to provide protection from everyday elements, including bluewater on deck. The client’s request included strong frame design and easy-care fabric.