Chris and the author took their 12′ cruising dinghy “LUNA” to the Red Lantern Rally in Mystery Bay, then sailed over to Port Townsend for the Pocket Yacht Palooza, and finally trailered down to the South Sound for the Palooza Crooza. Despite the small size of their boat, they enjoyed spending five nights in the company of many other small-boat cruisers.
Posted by Dale Simonson on 2018-07-26 06:54:15
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
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
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
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