Read:
page 109 at bottom right. It says;

"TOP (meaning the top picture where the panels are bowed) It may look odd, but this is how the Severn hull will look when it is ready for epoxy (and glass)."

You have to lock that shape in to get the necessary compound curves. I did a "Yare" (a 16' brother of the Severn)about 10 years ago and it was a head-scratcher at times.
http://gallery.bateau2.com/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=10905&pos=1
Stick with it.

: I am finally ready to tape the keel seam on the severn. The new kayak
: workshop says in order to stitch the the boat you bend the boat down. I
: have this done and I was able to make a nice stitch along the keel. Does
: anyone know if I relax the bend before taping and epoxying the seem or to
: I leave it bent and tape it in the deep bend. Any help would be
: appreciated.
: Thanks,

: Dave