Talaria in Alaska

My husband, Bill, and I took the Alaska Ferry from Bellingham, WA to visit Dave Erikson aboard Talaria in Petersburg, AK just last week! He singlehanded to Hilo, HI from Ensenada in 2005 and spent the winter there. We had sailed to Hilo from Seattle and we also spent the winter in Hilo. We had a terrific little group of sailing friends during our winter months in Radio Bay, especially Dave. We left Hilo in late May for our return sail to Seattle and he left in early June for Sitka, accompanied by his friend, Paul (we don’t know Paul’s last name). They arrived safely, after a great crossing with 25 kt steady westerlies. We just emailed him about your article. He will be in Seattle in a couple weeks and we will make sure he sees the article about Talaria.

Sincerely,
Susan Wilder
S/V Scoter

Yes, we’ve got more of Dave’s adventures in this month. His friend Paul Stebbins a.k.a. The Unknown Sailor (not so unknown anymore) wrote about their crossing from Hawaii to Alaska. Story is on page 26.

Tacoma and Poulsbo Meet in the Seychelles

We briefly bumped into each other at Fisheries in the fall of 2004. I did manage to get going on my solo around the world trip. I still pinch myself once in a while to be sure that this is really all happening, that I made it beyond Port Townsend after all... I am not sure if you still have the unusual boat names section. But I could not help and take the picture of my neighbor here in Victoria Harbor in the Seychelles. Sailbad the Sinner ......

One other good one comes to mind, a Swiss boat in Savu Savu, Fiji. The owner’s name is Jacob Staubeli. Staubeli translated from Swiss German means “Dusty”. The Swiss are not known for dry humor. He named his catamaran James McDust.

I anchored here in Victoria Harbor, Seychelles next to an American boat. A couple rowed out to welcome me. When I asked them where they were from, they responded that it was unlikely I would have heard of their town. They had not seen my transom yet, “Poulsbo”. It was Active Light, a Cape George 36 with Neil and Nancy Sirman. They are off to Madagascar. I hope to follow them in a few more days.

The weather has been very unsettled and I had one of the worst passages, 27 days, from Christmas Island. I hope to round Cape of Good Hope after Christmas and cross the Atlantic, via St.Helena, Northern Brazil. Then I hope to land in Florida in the Spring and fly home to see the family in Tacoma. Next, I intend to cross the Atlantic in the summer of 2007 and spend a few years in Holland, where I was raised, then follow the Danube to the Black Sea and into the Mediterranean and if I can continue to defy geriatric degradation, return to the Americas before I turn 75.

I have recounted most of my adventure on my web site at www.cometosea.us/log.htm

Regards,
Jack Van Ommen
S/V Fleetwood
Somewhere between Gig Harbor and the next harbor.

In-On Contretemps

The following is a “conversation” about John Vigor’s use of the word “on” when talking about a vessel. Ed Botterell believes that “in” is correct.

“On” is the correct word in this instance. Landlubbers mostly take the preposition “on” to mean “on top of.” But the “on” in my ceremony is simply an abbreviation for “on board.”

In general use, though, you can either be in or on a boat. Both are correct. “In” denotes a feeling of enclosure, and “on” a feeling of exposure. Personally, therefore, when I’m on board, I’m “in” when I’m down below; and I’m “on” when I’m topsides.

As for dinghies, it depends how protected you are. I’d say that you sail “on” a Laser and “in” a Thistle. Until you capsize, of course. Then you’re “off” the Laser and “out of” the Thistle.

Is that confusing enough for you?
Cheers,
John Vigor

Sir: There has been much discussion among Nonsuchers regarding the in-on contretemps. I provide the following, copied below thread (does not appear here, but quotes the Queen of England using the word “in”), to support my contention. These provided by my friend Arthur Langley who did the research. While John argues brilliantly for his position, as ‘on’ being an abbreviation for ‘on board’, I doubt he can but strike his colours (colors) gracefully, in the face of Queens and Presidents. Or, the west should secede; graciously.

With continued respect.
Ed Botterell

Thanks John,
I agree completely, I think.
Rich

Sir; with all due respect. Totally unacceptable.

In keeping with the flawless-ness of the incantation you so brilliantly penned regarding the denaming of a vessel with the intent of re-naming said vessel, I had full expectation of a response of absolute assuredness. Incredibly, we see here vacillation. Vacillation, sir, to the extent of confusing even the renowned editor of 48° North, evident in the ‘I think’ at the end of his response.

I would appreciate your thought(s) on an original, and if I say so myself rather brilliant in it’s own little way, plan to get rich quick. I’ll run with it, or you can franchise me and take all the risk yourself.

The Plan. I will devise a “Pastor Botterell look”; sort of Johnny Cash with a long white beard, black frock coat and large black hat, complete with custom black Topsiders in keeping with the salty program. After an ad in “Scuttlebutt” and 48° North, the wide distribution of appropriate leaflets by whatever means, etc., I.. or of course we.. will undertake to conduct a service aboard (or beside) your vessel, with the precise words of the JVWFIBDC foremost in the proceedings. A Big Black Bible Beholding(?) Book (some alliterations are more difficult than others) will be the source of the ‘word’. $300.00(US) plus Champagne as required, all expenses and two delightful young ladies, in black, to help draw a crowd. Re-naming is $100.00 additional.

You will have to ordain me, and you might give some thought as to how this would work. I’m not too strong with this part yet. Eternal Father Strong to Save in the background, purloined from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (unless Louis Armstrong has recorded it); through our State of the Art sound system.

Don’t you love it? You should be prepared for a little capital expense here.

I have Mississippi East, and you have the west. No conflict as far as I can see. I get Canada and you can have Mexico.

I am an old man seeking employment to supplement selling Doyle sails, after 40 odd years of building first Hood and subsequently Doyle sails. Over the years I have given millions (an estimate) of dollars worth of free advice to boat owners and am keen, I say keen, to find paying work at last. Your words, Mr. Vigor, have been like unto an epiphany.

I have staying power, you bet! Google my father “Henry (Botterell)”.

Second: I stand by “in”; but will compromise with the “on” a Laser. Mr. Kirby is a good friend, and I will seek his opinion, which I will dutifully forward. I am also going to do some research, starting with the establishment of the Royal Navy.

Nice chatting.
Ed Botterell

Ed, on the contrary, my statements are quite clear. The “I think” means that I definitely am not sure, and I will stick by that statement. Regarding your collaboration with Mr. Vigor, it is a valuable service but, as it does involve boating, I don’t know if it would qualify as “paying work at last.”

Regarding the Queen’s use of “in,” no doubt her speeches are written by some landlubber holed up in the palace without even a view of the water. Besides, it’s the King’s English, you know.

Bowsprit Found Off Lopez

I found a bowsprit floating in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, off the SW end of Lopez Island. It was undamaged and obviously had been unbolted. To claim, please email Steve at srodom@yahoo.com and identify.

Steve Odom

Only 25 years?

Only 25 years? It feels as if 48° North has been around forever.

I think I probably share the honour of your longest contributing freelancer with Jo Bailey. I came on board at the beginning with Victoria Classic Boat Festival writeups, and enjoy spinning yarns for your readers about the “fun” folks who gravitate to our vibrant northwest sailing scene.

Here’s to the next 25!

Best,
Shirley Hewett

aka yer obedient wharf rat

Thanks Shirley. We’ve always enjoyed a good relationship with both professional and amateur sailing writers over the years, and have been very lucky that they enjoy contributing to the mag.

America’s Next Top Model?

Great modeling job of the DD vest Rich! Thanks for combining it with your hat ad. It does make a good combo. We do appreciate all the support you guys have always given us.

Cheers
Kim

You DD folks do a terrific job in keeping the tradition of Duck Dodge alive, well and fun. Your new vest and our new hats are a natural combination for 364 days a year. The other day is reserved for grass skirts and leis.

More Info on the Northwest 18

Anyone out there have info on the Northwest 18? From the hull number I was able to find out that it was built in Port Orchard in 1972. I’d appreciate any more info on the boat.

Eric Olson
ErikO@insicabling.com