Those In Peril Upon The Sea

[medwaymud]

Modern looking outrigger. The crab claw lateen sail has attracted interest amongst German engineers and aerodynamicists. For it’s size it turns out to be super efficient due to the turbulence it creates.

I was told they were the fastest sailing boats - in the world - that were built for everyday use ie fishing.
And 'going-about' was an awesome affair, as the skipper had to walk down a half-decked surface ( the other half being access to the hull for storage ) with the mast and sail to poke it into a recess at the other end. Took real balance and strength. This was not a regular event as the Trade winds were consistent in direction, speeds and timing - so taken into consideration when planning a trip.

 

[medwaymud]

You can add Tim Severins stuff to that video. Is any of Thor Heyerdals stuff on you tube?

Not sure - but if you want to actually see Kon Tiki the fabulous museum is in Oslo ( and contains Ra, as well )

 

[cernunnos]

I was told they were the fastest sailing boats - in the world - that were built for everyday use ie fishing.
And 'going-about' was an awesome affair, as the skipper had to walk down a half-decked surface ( the other half being access to the hull for storage ) with the mast and sail to poke it into a recess at the other end. Took real balance and strength. This was not a regular event as the Trade winds were consistent in direction, speeds and timing - so taken into consideration when planning a trip.

There’s a video out there with a traditional proa complete with tacking by moving the steering oar to the other end and carrying the sail and spars around the mast. I’ve not found it yet. I wouldn’t fancy that in heavy seas or in a tight spot.

 

[wafubustard]

Just reading through and responding to some earlier post regarding the recent storms.

This picture isn't mine as I was in no condition to even feel alive let alone make it to the bridge for a photo after a week in seas like this

No more small ships for me.

 

[RumRationReject]

No more small ships for me.

Always makes me chuckle that WAFUs consider FF and DD "small ships"
I always felt anything up to and including a minesweeper was a small ship, a destroyer is not small.......

Having said that - that sea is bloody rough.

 

[alfred_the_great]

Having said that - that sea is bloody rough.

Meh.

 

[NSP]

Always makes me chuckle that WAFUs consider FF and DD "small ships"
I always felt anything up to and including a minesweeper was a small ship, a destroyer is not small.......

Having said that - that sea is bloody rough.

Most of the tubs I've worked on have been in the 60-75m length overall, 10-14m beam, 3.5-4.5m draught range. Always seemed a reasonable size until I got some time in on a couple of 125m long, 23m beam, 6m draught, 8 storey-building high construction vessels!

 

[truck_trasher]

Not sure - but if you want to actually see Kon Tiki the fabulous museum is in Oslo ( and contains Ra, as well )

I went there on a visit a decade ago. Within a small distance there is also the Gjoa (which is terrifyingly small for what it achieved) and of course the Fram, which is inside another purpose built hall. From the Oslo harbour I recommend taking the harbour boat-bus to get to the museum area -- it is a ten(?) minute trip that is infinitely more interesting than the land alternatives.

If you are going to Oslo anyway, then also consider the train route to Bergen. In the middle of the very scenic route it has one of the highest stations in Europe, Finse, almost next to the Hardanger glacier and a good start for a few days moderately serious walk around the ice-cap. Bergen has a very famous harbour too, with fish warehouses getting on for a thousand years old, interesting museums, and more walking. If you go with a tent (because of the mountain walks you will be doing) or can accept camping-huts instead of four-star hotels, then it is not crazily expensive either.

I went to Norway (Bomoen, Ulvik and somewhere up North) a couple of times when in the mob, but have been back much more often since then. I'm not on commision from the Norgy tourist board though, honest.

 

[Wightsparker]

Always makes me chuckle that WAFUs consider FF and DD "small ships"
I always felt anything up to and including a minesweeper was a small ship, a destroyer is not small.......

Having said that - that sea is bloody rough.

Ha! You have clearly never used Isle of Wight ferries.

 

[merchantman]

Ship hijacked off Yemen

Japan condemns Yemen's Houthi rebels hijack of cargo ship in Red Sea

The rebels seized the car carrier in the Red Sea, claiming it was Israeli - but Israel says it is UK-owned.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[merchantman]

Video footage of the hijack:

 

[NSP]

Video footage of the hijack:

Well, that's a bit different. Praise be that the Somali scuzzbuckets never had helicopters! Bad enough with the skiffs.

 

[PhotEx]

PLAN having a bad day at the office