Cruising Kid Fun

Check out these cruising kids making their own fun.  They played at this for over 3 hours.  And why not!  Looks like a blast.

Star of Japan

While Brunswick is not a busy port, cargo vessels and car carriers do come and go here.  The car carriers are on the other side of a spoil built island.  The cargo vessels come in just down the way from the marina where we are.  We are fascinated and a tad scared of these behemoths.  We didn't get a lot of these giant ships in Kansas!  HA!  I decided to hit the web to find out more about the current ship in port Star of Japan.  Here is what I found -
Principal particulars:
L (o.a.) x L (b.p.) x B x D x d: 198.00m x 187.00m x 31.00m x 19.00m x 12.00m
DWT/GT: 46,387t (at 12.3m draft)/ 32,844t
Main engine: Mitsui-MAN B&W 6S60MC diesel x 1 unit
MCR: 10,520kW x 96rpm
Speed, service: 16.55kt
  Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (MES) has delivered the Star Japan (HN: 1532), a general cargo/ container carrier, one of the newest ships for the company Grieg Shipping and Maritime Transport A/S of Norway at its Tamano works. The Star Japan is the second vessel of the series built for the Grieg group after the first vessel, Star Juventus (HN: 1531) built for Grieg International II A/S in May 2004. These vessels are the so-called open hatch type bulk carrier with boxshaped cargo holds with hatch openings of the same size (length and breadth) as each hold for efficient loading of a variety of cargoes such as unitized cargoes of forestry products (papers, pulps and timbers), containers and bulk cargoes. The vessel has a double-hull structure, and is equipped with a pair of self-traveling gantry cranes of MES make with advanced technology on the upper deck for efficient cargo handling. To achieve the maximum cargo intake both on deck and in cargo holds, the accommodation space is designed in slim proportions and located far aft. The bow and stern thrusters and the Becker rudder achieve high maneuverability, previously used to cruise ships. The wheelhouse is designed for one-man-bridge operation. To secure the aft view from wheelhouse, two cylindrical funnels and spiral ladders are arranged. Free-falling type lifeboats are equipped, according to the news reported by MarNews.

Blah, blah, blah....wait, WHAT?    The wheelhouse is designed for one-man-bridge operation.  That can't be right.  Hum?   Let me look above again.  Yep, that is what it says.  Let me double check, maybe I didn't copy it right.  Nope, it copied correctly.  So this gigantic cargo ship (length overall 198m) is designed so that only ONE person needs to be on it's bridge, at the helm, running.....everything at the bridge?  O-N-E!  OMG!  And it seems this is marketed as a feature.  OMG! 

	Panamax	New Panamax
Length	294.13 m (965 ft)	366 m (1,200 ft)
Beam	32.31 m (106 ft)	49 m (160.7 ft)
Draft (TFW)	12.04 m (39.5 ft)	15.2 m (49.9 ft)
TEU	Approx. 5,000	Approx. 12,000

I am not anti technology.  I like/love the marine electronics we have (and the new stuff looks to be very kewl).  I am very, very glad we have them.  We use them.  When we are underway, one of us is on watch at the helm and the other is off watch and often below.  This means we only have one on our bridge and our marine electronics make this fairly easier.  But we are NOT 198 meters long!  We are 40 feet long.  While technology may have reached the level where the New Panamax monsters can be driven by one, should it really be?  
*A dock neighbor pointed out that "designed for one man bridge operation" does not necessarily mean that it is only manned by one person....she hopes.

Boat Girl Oddity

Every so often an odd thing occurs and I would be interested in your thoughts.   As an equal partner in the sailing life, I have always been involved.  I actually grew up sailing.  Tom didn't take his first sail until high school.  Sometimes we are together sailing, teaching lessons, working on various projects or boat socializing. Other times, we are solo on the boat(s).  Me included.  However I find that if I am alone working on a boat project, it's fairly common to get a comment (whether it's to me or Tom) that is a congratulations of some sort TO Tom.....like "Congrats! I can never get my wife to _fill in the blank_"  Or  "Cap10 Tom, awesome with the wax job.  I wish my wife would wax the boat."

I just find it weird that fellow sailors congratulate Tom on my work on the boat.  ?????  I understand that my gender as a whole is not always as involved in boating.  But it still strikes me as odd.  I don't recall that anyone has complemented me on Tom's work, other than to say "Wow, Tom is really a terrific craftsman when it comes to rehabbing a house" or "Tom can sure smoke up some fabulous ribs."  Is that different?  It feels different.  Hum?  How about it my sailing sistas out there, has it happened to you?  Guys, do you get these complements on the work/projects your sailing chicks accomplish? 

Boating Is Alive and Well

During the potluck yesterday, Sherry had us all go around and introduce ourselves, tell what type of boat we are on, where we are from and if we are newbies to Brunswick Landing Marina or repeat offenders.  It was very kewl to learn that 3 different boats are not only new but really, really new as in just purchased in the last 2 weeks.  These people were definitely on Santa's GOOD LIST.   But all joking aside, it is nice to know that boaters and the boating dream is still alive.  And judging from the newbies....they are all different ages, backgrounds, incomes and experience levels.  Sherry mentioned in her holiday thank you speech "We don't judge you by your boat but the type of people you are.  However, we do wonder how the hell you get the $$ for some of the fabulous boats you have."  That got a HUGE laugh. 
Marina capacity is 310 slips (I think).  They were at 87% occupancy this fall for hurricane season.  There are substantially fewer here now.  Everyone has headed south.  Approximately 45 showed up for the potluck.  This really is a kewl place and a terrific hurricane hole.  Sherry and the staff MAKE Brunswick Landing Marina!  Thanks to them!! 
*I say Boaters because not everyone is on a sailboat.  Some are on motorboats.     

Stimulating the Economy One Sailboat at a Time

Our Sept ASA 101 Keelboat students bought this spunky C22

To date, Tom and I have had 6 sailing students buy 4 sailboats after taking sailing instruction from us.  That is 6 new sailors spending $$ on sailing gear related to these new to them sailboats.  We are very excited these individuals have joined the ranks of sailors plying the waters of areas lakes.

2011 student's have enjoyed a full season in their lovely Hunter

With all the political talk about the economy and promises on all sides to make it better, we are feeling pretty good about doing our part.  However we aren't even going to talk about our own economy stimulation in regards to s/v Honey Ryder.  At times, the register in my head it almost too loud....cha-ching! 

Central Hardware in Brunswick GA

Two blocks from the marina

There is nothing like an old school hardware store.  Love these places! Finding one is like finding sea glass.  Usually there are hidden gems in amongst the standard items. 

Queue the heavenly music

The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable albeit quirky but in a kewl way.  Be sure to ask if you don't see what you need.  Chances are it might be "in back."
     

Upside Down Grits

When I completed the waxing on the 3rd day, I was too tired to cook dinner so I opted for leftovers.  Behold Upside Down Grits.  Yes, I realize anyone reading this with southern blood is cringing at this but it was easy and just as yummy.  Reheating order and the desire for fewer dishes to wash up was the real cause...aka laziness.

Waiting to Exhale

Pop up TStorm made for a dramatic sunset

When we are not on s/v Honey Ryder, (which these past 2 1/2 years has been more land life than boat life) it sometimes feels like I am taking short, shallow breaths just waiting to exhale...ie waiting until we can be on the boat again.  I arrived to Brunswick early this afternoon and soon found myself exhaling deeply in the cockpit of s/v Honey Ryder.  I didn't even realize I had exhaled so deeply until after when a calm, warm, balanced feeling washed over me.  Aaaaaahhh.

Sailing Terms

s/v Honey Ryder Cuban locker

Like everything else in life, sailing has it's own terminology.  Some of it very kewl sounding, Boom Vang is one of my favorites.  Some of the terminology is funny (ha ha) sounding which somehow causes it to take on a life of it's own depending on the company you hang with......and we hang with some really questionable characters that have terrific sense of humors.
Lazarette aka Cuban locker has developed into one of those hilarious words.  Of course there is a story behind it.  No, I am not going to tell it here.
Below is borrowed from one of my favorite blogs s/v Veranda.  ALL credit goes to them so cruise over to their blog and read the whole posting.  However....
" Lazarette is actually French for “screaming baby receptacle”. Just open up the lid, slip the screaming child inside amongst the fenders and docklines, close it up tight and the noise goes away."
Now that is funny stuff.  No, we don't have kids.  Why do you ask?

Fun With The Sextant - Transit of Venus

Did s/v Honey Ryder lose her electronics?  Are we becoming purists?  Gawd no!  The historic transit of Venus began this afternoon around 5'ish.  The planet Venus started its nearly seven-hour trek across the face of the sun.  Today is the last time Earthlings will see such a view until 2117.  

We decided to put our sextant to use to view it.  Plus we were too lazy to look up how to make one of those pinhole projector boxes.  Yes, I know it's super easy but we don't have kids so those types of "projects" are not super easy for us.  

 

Big Day - Free Stuff

This week turned out to be a big week for me.
1.  I had the largest software sale of my career and for my company.  BIG!  HUGE!  Woo Hoo!
2.  I got a free paperback sailing novel ( "Drink, Dear Boy?") in the mail....by mistake it turns out.  The package was addressed to me but the book was autographed to "To Gerry with best wishes" - Alwyne Chappell.  Hum?
Guess which one I am more excited about?
*Hey Gerry, sorry sucker....my book now!  hee hee.
**Thanks whoever sent the book to Gerry.
***Actually I am excited about both.

Perpetual Ocean

Could this be used for routing?  Hummmm?  Maybe, to some extent?  Anyway....very kewl video that shows the interesting currents around the world.  FYI - NASA did this animated video.

Reducing the Fleet

Last spin around the marina in the Hobie Mirage

We have enjoyed our tandem Hobie Mirage over the years but it is time to reduce the fleet.  We took it for one last peddle/paddle Friday night before hauling it home to clean it up for sale.

Tom getting ready to load up the Hobie Mirage

Hobie Alter - yes that Hobie...founder/inventor of Hobie Cat, is often quoted saying KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid.  The line of Hobie Mirage kayaks certain sticks to that philosophy.  

Brilliant

 

Simply Brilliant

We did find a good home for the Hobie Mirage.  Sailor Ben is going to add it to his fleet.  He is already bi-boatal so what's another one!

Pancakes And Pizza With A Side Of Sailboats

Some of the boats 4 sale

KC Sailing had their Season Opener and User Boat Event Sat.  This is a chance for all us area sailors to crawl out of our winter hidy-holes, talk sailing, buy some spring commission supplies and eat pancakes and pizza.

Psspt, want to buy a boat little girl?

It's also a chance for some to sell their *#@%#$ boat and others to buy their first precious boat that will later become the *#@%#$ boat.

Ty & Tom chat with Richard about his sailing book

Bruce flipping, Tom eating

Types of Sailboat Rigs

Sailing students often ask us about different sailing rigs.  This explains the various rigs and the tune is catchy too.
*Credits go to - Tall Ships Animation by Mike Biggie. Music by John Kraus
**No copy right infringement intended.  It's just a kewl little video. 

Sailing Gear Brings Cheer

Nothing brightens a cold, grey winters day like the arrival of a package of sailing gear - it doesn't really matter what it is.  Big, small, vital or frivolous...it's sailing gear so it's all good.

Lighten the Load

The start of a new year generally find folks reassessing and making changes.  For some it's a diet or an intent to eat healthier or exercise more.  Whatever the item - it's a commitment to change.  While we have never been ones to make New Years Resolutions, we do strategically map out items that we want to accomplish in the coming year.  As a continuation of a previous posting Too Much Stuff....we are working to lighten the load - aka major purging is going to happen around here.

Too Much Stuff

Have you ever noticed how the print sales inserts in your local paper shift focus from season to season?  None more dramatic than the huge shift from Xmas to this time of year.  During Xmas, they push all the gift stuff....BUY STUFF, BUY STUFF, BUY STUFF.

Then right after Xmas, the big discounters print ads scream STORAGE, STORAGE, STORAGE.  Is this because millions of us got even more...shi...stuff for Xmas?   And so now we have WAY more stuff than we can possibly use so we have to store it some of it?  I think so.  It seems crazy and a bit sad to us!  But to each their own.

Sailors Are Just Good Peeps

Super sailing sista Deb came to my rescue this week.  She jumped in with both feet to help me procure a folding bike.  "But wait, don't you already have a folding bike you got this past summer?"  Well....I was supposed to have a folding bike but the Craigslist seller turned out to be quite the jackwagon, jerking me around and eventually the whole deal fell apart.
*Hey Mr Jackwagon - don't think I have forgotten about that either!  What comes around goes around bud!

Since then I have been searching high and low for just the right folding bike.  Aluminum, small, low priced.

Then finally BINGO, a good candidate popped up in St Louis.  I drafted a quick email to Deb asking the huge favor....could she take the time to go see the folding bike and possibly buy it for me.  She agreed - because that is what sailors do.  We help each other out!  24 hrs later I have a new folding bike.  Well almost...it's in Deb's garage waiting for me to pick it up.  She said it was no big deal (and in fact she may end up getting one as the guy has another) but it was a really big deal to me and I can't thank her enough.  Super Sailing Chick indeed!  She and her hubby have a fabulous sailing blog that you really MUST check out called The Retirement Project.  Don't miss her Cruising Comforts tab!
THANKS DEB!!!!!!!
The math - one folding bike (shown here), s/v Honey Ryder's crew is 2.  Doesn't that leave us one bike short?  Well no.  Cap10 Tom has decided to build his own light weight, folding bike.  I know....WOW, right?  Stay tuned for more on that project.

SEXY

There are just no other words.  This is full on sexy.  Who doesn't want to be part of the sailing community after watching this!  They say sailing is struggling as a sport/hobbie/lifestyle.  Not after videos like this.  YUM!
And yes, this is exactly what it's like on our boat each and every time- so to speak.  Yeah, right!  But hey, sexy sells!

*My sailing sistas - did you see it?  The sailing bruise?  Did you spot it on the sailing sista in the video?  (No, I don't expect the guys to see it even after multiple viewings.)  One of the sailing sistas in video has a sailing bruise.  You know the ones we get...big ass, ugly black, blue, purple, yellow bruises.  Our sailing badge after a particularly "unique" sailing adventure.  Yeah, it's ugly but we wear it proudly at work on Monday.  Other gals at work may have bruises but theirs are from yard work or house chores - weak!  Hee Hee.