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Tag: sail

  • As we approach Astoria, Derek delights in performing donuts.

    Derek doing donuts of delight as we close in on Astoria

    In this content, the author shares their experiences of voyaging on the Lower Columbia River by sail and oar in their 12′ cruising dingy named LUNA, designed by John Welsford as a Small Craft Advisor Magazine Project (SCAMP).

    The content provides a vivid description of the journey and the joys and challenges encountered while navigating through the river. The author highlights the significance of being in tune with the river’s ebbs and flows and the importance of proper navigation, especially during low tides.

    Throughout the journey, the author showcases their sailing and navigational skills and the capabilities of LUNA. They describe the vessel’s maneuverability and resilience against the strong river currents and winds. It is evident that the author believes in the value of small vessels in voyaging and how they can easily traverse narrow waterways that bigger boats cannot.

    The author also highlights the importance of making connections with locals, and how they were welcomed at different places along the river. In one example, the author notes the kindness of a local family who offered their private dock to moor LUNA at night.

    In conclusion, the content provides a detailed and inspiring account of the author’s journey on the Lower Columbia River, highlighting the beauty of the region and the value of small vessels in river cruising. The insights provided are not only valuable to sailors, but also to adventurers and nature enthusiasts who enjoy exploring new environments.

    Posted by Dale Simonson on 2018-08-01 00:13:31

  • 020 – Hobart to Franklin on January 31, 2023 (AUS 2)

    23-01-31 AUS 2 - Hobart to Franklin 020

    Swiftsure II is a traditional Tasmanian bay-whaler built by the Living Boat Trust, Tasmania. She is the flagship of the Living Boat Trust’s fleet and represents an important aspect of Tasmania’s maritime heritage. Her design is such that she is optimized for rowing offshore, chasing whales by oar and sail. Swiftsure II is different from most whaleboats as she is designed to be launched from the beach in Recherché Bay, long and narrow.

    Swiftsure II was built in 2004 by the Living Boat Trust Inc. under the supervision of various people, including Peter Laidlaw, Arnus the Dane from Lune river, Adrian Phillips, and founder John Young. The boat was built using Huon Pine, the traditional wood of Tasmania.

    The idea to build Swiftsure II came about when the Living Boat Trust Inc. wanted to organize a “Southern Ocean Challenge” to balance the French/American “Atlantic Challenge” pioneered by the Apprenticeshop in Maine, USA. To begin with, they needed a Tasmanian vessel and discovered that the only surviving vessel was the languishing Swiftsure in the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch, New Zealand.

    Swiftsure was built in 1860 by Liardet in Hobart and was used to harvest the Southern Right Whale in the Derwent estuary. She went to the Tory channel in 1863, retired, and donated to the museum in 1915. Grant Wilson, one of the boatbuilding students, went over to Christchurch and did detailed drawings of her thole pins, loggerhead, and special features, and the trust built a pretty accurate replica.

    The project to build Swiftsure II began in 1998 before the Living Boat Trust Inc. had a shed to build her in. The boat was initially built in a temporary shed in the car park of the Wooden Boat Centre by some students from Geeveston High school. When STEPS bought the school from the Trust, they put the boat on a truck and managed to find a safe place in the building in Geeveston opposite Huon FM.

    In 2003, the Living Boat Trust finished its shed, and Swiftsure II returned to Franklin, and they began to continue building under the supervision of various people. After completion, Swiftsure II raided 100 nautical miles of Southern Ocean from Recherché Bay to Hobart and then exhibited at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival.

    Posted by Dale Simonson on 2023-03-14 02:35:28

  • Lathe-mounted Rubbing Strips of Rough Shape

    rubbing strips roughly shaped, and mounted in lathe

    The author is expressing admiration for their nephew Nigel, who has skills as a metalworker and engineer. Nigel has made some brass rubbing strips for the aft of the halyard and downhaul cleats on a cabin top. The brass stock used came from Johnny’s stash and Nigel used a bench-top sander before rounding the two half-rounds on a lathe.

    Posted by Dale Simonson on 2014-04-19 03:14:52

  • Rapidly Cutting Brass in Flight.

    brass flying, cuttting quickly

    Nigel Mills has created two brass rubbing strips that can be used to mount aft of the halyard and downhaul cleats on a boat’s cabin top. These strips serve as a protective barrier for the cabin top against rope friction and wear, as well as add an aesthetic element to the boat’s appearance.

    Mills fashioned the strips out of high-quality brass, which resists corrosion and remains durable over time. They are designed to fit snugly against the cabin top, so there is no risk of water leakage or damage to the boat’s structure. They are also aesthetically pleasing, adding an element of elegance to the boat.

    The strips can be easily installed by screwing them into place, and they provide a secure and stable surface for the halyard and downhaul cleats. They also protect the lines from getting damaged or frayed, which can lead to costly repairs or replacements.

    Overall, Mills’ brass rubbing strips serve a dual purpose of protecting the boat and adding to its appearance. They are a smart investment for any boat owner looking to improve the longevity and aesthetic value of their vessel.

    Posted by Dale Simonson on 2014-04-19 03:19:44

  • Bernie Slough from LL76b Clifton Channel

    LL76b Clifton Channel to Bernie Slough

    On July 27, 2017, the writer of Luna Log, entry #76 embarked on a voyage along the lower Columbia River by sail and oar in a 12′ cruising dinghy termed as “LUNA”. The dinghy was designed by magazine project advisor John Welsford and is referred to as a SCAMP. The journey took a total of 4 hours and 7 minutes and spanned across 8.96 nautical miles. The average speed of travel was recorded at 2.17 kts, with a maximum speed of 6.03 kts.

    Posted by Dale Simonson on 2017-09-06 23:16:37