Many times I've been asked which of my designs is my favourite. Well, that is difficult to answer because all boats are the result of compromises due to the combination of uses, weather, loads and local conditions - not to mention the differences in taste and attitude on the part of we humans... So the question should be, "What is your favourite design for ............. conditions?"
What I can say is that 'First Mate' pleases me every time I think of her. She is easy and quick to build, is light, fast and handles a head sea well. On top of that, she rows better than I could ever hope, considering that oars are primarily for use as auxiliary power.
Here is a link to a nice article written by my good friend Ian Hamilton, for whom 'First Mate' was originally designed.