Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Its not a drag: the foiling craze is officially upon us
It started innocently enough, 20-30 years ago, it was proven that boats could move faster and with less power with foils. This was first and still is applied to many ferry crossing boats (I think of the ones in the greek islands).
But as far as foiling with wind power, this is relatively recent.
The Moths, starting about 10 years ago, I want to say 2015, have done more for foiling that any other boat. And made wind geek like drool of envy.
Then, America's Cup of 2013 made it legit and mainstream, and I admit much more interesting than keelboat racing.
Finally, now it appears that there is a boat for the rest of us, the Waszp! Definitely on my toy list!
Do read here for actual good and fail history of foiling with wind.
Fair winds!
Thursday, November 24, 2016
She's got the legs and knows how to use them!
No kidding! |
| Leggy Lady! |
I dont know how I came across this, the wonders of the interwebs...well it turns out a Kiwi company make boats with legs. We heard of amphibian, but they usually look like cars. This is a boat that grows and retracts legs as needed to launch or when done.
I have no affiliation with this company, just impressed, also check out the youtube videos, fun to watch too!
Neato!
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Homemade houseboat crossed the Atlantic
An interesting story really. A houseboat crossed from Newfoundland Canada to Ireland. |
| Rough looking, but strong enough |
There are a lot more details here and here.
The question is whether the builder Rick Small was in it. No one's sure. But his creation was strong enough to make it across, pretty amazing, really.
I suspect we'll find out soon.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Before the flood - quick review
Leonardo DiCaprio took three years to complete this documentary called Before the flood about the alrady ongoing climate change crisis.
It is actually quite positive as it shows the various problems and also, as opposed to doom and gloom also shows positive. Best example is when he visits Elon Musk's Giga factory and is told that 100 of these would provide all the power needed for the planet. And it's and his reaction is "That's it". It is doable!
You can watch it for free on YouTube and other services.
Thanks Leonardo!
Monday, October 24, 2016
Tiny boat crosses gulf stream to Bahamas
I have this secret dream about voyaging the ocean on a tiny boat, frankly not sure I would have the balls to actually do it. But it can and is getting done. So, I always enjoy reading about small boat travels. |
| Dave's Paradox 14 |
One blog I follow and really enjoy is called Graduating to a smaller boat, the author Dave last year has sailed around the Hawaii islands, sounds easy, but it is not.
This past Saturday, he posted about his crossing of the Gulf stream from Key Largo to Bimini on his Paradox 14 (4.2m designed by Matt Layden) that he himself built. I love the Paradox 14 for a single handler (I even have the plans), but if I ever see one close by, I'm buying it!
Anyways, believe it or not, he is not the first one on such a small boat. Many have done the crossing to the Bahamas, most notably Dave Bolduc on his 3.6 meter ENIGMA (also designed by Matt Layden).
Congrats guys, well done!
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Another video blog to follow: RAN sailing
There are so many great sailing/cruising blogs.Once a while, I will add one to the list here that I really enjoy.
This one, RAN Sailing towards distant shores is very well done. The corresponding blog is here.
Very simple and well done. The video footage is clean, and enhanced by many drone fly-bies. Their stories are clear. I'm not sure why, I do prefer the videos of between 5-10 mins long, tho I do follow others that are much longer.
The different and very interesting part here, is that they are cold weather sailors. I'm always impressed by people who sail in cold and even snowy weather. I am not a big fan of anything below 5C, such a wimp.
The name Ran is for the goddess of the deep ocean of the nordic mythology.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Tracking and Webcams on hurricane Matthew
As much as I love the Bahamas, boy I am glad to not be there right now as hurricane Matthew bears down towards it, could be hitting Nassau directly. |
| Hurricane Isabel from space |
I hope everyone gets out and is prepare very well ahead of this.
For people that are far and are curious, okay, call us hurricane voyeurs! There are many webcams, lets see how long they stay up
- Nassau Bahamas (wind already very evident still 200 miles away!)
And many in Florida (should be Thursday)
Also, there's a great hurricane tracker here, in real time
Stay safe!
