New Zealand’s SailGP team, skippered by Peter Burling, gave a sailing masterclass, thrilling their fans, on Lyttleton harbour for the opening day of the SailGP Christchurch regatta…
Posts in category Article
Stage set for SailGP’s sellout New Zealand debut event
Friday
Mar 17
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 17
2023
Posted by deleteme
This weekend has the SailGP league’s first-ever New Zealand event taking place on March 18 and 19 at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch…
Today we are Irish
Friday
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Raise your glass to Saint Patrick for giving you a reason to drain your glass…
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 19
Friday
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
As forecast, lighter than usual conditions just ahead of the fleet have provided an effective re-start of leg 3, just after the four IMOCAs reached the halfway point of the longest stage in the history of the race…
SailGP: Kiwis under threat by the Gang of Four
Friday
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Because of the effects of two weather events, SailGP Christchurch, Russell Coutts says the Kiwi team are “in the precarious position of fighting for points with France, Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team and Denmark…”
What’s Going On With All the ‘Lectronic Latitude’ Emails?
Friday
Mar 17
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 17
2023
Posted by deleteme
Are the leprechauns out and about playing Irish tricks on us all? Has anyone seen any bearded little men wearing green coats and hats skulking about in the office? Who woke up yesterday morning to find a ‘Welcome Aboard’ email from ‘Lectronic Latitude, even if you’ve been aboard for years? We did. And we see hands up throughout the West Coast, and beyond.
Maybe this was an early St. Paddy’s Day trick. Or maybe there are some other gremlins afoot. Either way, something set off our new “Welcome Aboard” email to everyone on our ‘Lectronic Latitude list. Despite the panic we (the Latitude crew) felt when we first realized what had happened, we ended up using the glitch to get some great insight.
© 2023 Latitude 38 Media LLC / Archives
First of all, most of you read the emails we send. Hooray! And thank you! Secondly, hundreds of sailors now have the Free Cruising Guide that we’re offering to first-time subscribers. Hooray, again!
And here’s something else. Now that we have your attention, this is a good opportunity to make sure that everyone has their best email address registered to keep receiving the three-times-weekly newsletter, and to let us know if you’re having any problems with the email delivery — maybe you signed up and haven’t been getting the emails; maybe you’re getting more than one to the same address; maybe you have too many email addresses signed up. Whatever it is, you have our attention and we want to make it right.
So, here’s the link to sign up to receive the ‘Lectronic Latitude emails, if you don’t already: Sign Me Up!
Alternatively, if you’re having a problem with the email, or, if you have a great suggestion for the email, please write to us directly at monica@latitude38.com.
The post What’s Going On With All the ‘Lectronic Latitude’ Emails? appeared first on Latitude38.
100 years of Stars on the Chesapeake
Friday
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 17
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Star sailor Tom Price offers this update from Gibson Island, MD:
Any centennial celebration is likely to be a one-time affair for most of us. This summer marks the 100th year of Star boats on the Chesapeake, specifically at Gibson Island. To commemorate the occasion, the Gibson Island Yacht Squadron will host the Annual J. Rulon Miller Series for Stars on June 23-25.
The Gibson Island club, which has twice hosted the Star World Championship (1930, 1951), will host the celebration as only that club can do, which is to organize the entire island with a bar-b-que party hosted by the long time Star Dunigan family on Friday evening followed by a Clubhouse outdoor party after racing on Saturday. Racing on Saturday and Sunday will also constitute the District 2 Championships.
Additionally, a distance race on Friday memorializes the Star distance events that were usually run far down the Bay and back, sometimes finishing the next day. This edition won’t be nearly that extreme as the course rounds several lighthouses and be back in time for the Dunnigan party on Friday evening.
For a little history, it was in 1923, after discarding their fleet of elderly Mower-designed Fishers Island 24 centerboard sloops, the newly formed “Water Committee” (preceding the Yacht Squadron) led by three Gibson Island members, purchased 12 of the hot new Star Class sloops from New England Boatworks. Twisting arms and buying drinks for their sailing buddies, all were sold by delivery and the new fleet had begun…
Dolphins at risk for SailGP New Zealand
Thursday
Mar 16
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 16
2023
Posted by XS Editor
When the nine SailGP teams compete in the penultimate event of Season 3 on March 18-19, the smallest and rarest marine dolphins in the world may be there too. The risk to the Hector’s dolphins, known to frequent the natural amphitheater of Lyttelton Harbour, have raised concerns in Christchurch, New Zealand.
An unredacted version of the SailGP Marine Mammal Management Plan reveals there is a risk some will be killed, which prompted the development and deployment of two acoustic monitoring hydrophone buoys into the racing area to detect the presence of Hector’s dolphins in the harbor.
As the plan had initially been released with much of the content blacked out, there was an effort to conceal the effort to insure dolphin safety. More so, one expert believes it is possible for the dolphins, which have an inquisitive nature, to be attracted to the Acoustic Deterrent Device (ADD).
An excerpt which had been blacked out stated:
“Marine mammals already face risks year-round within Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour but the risk level will be heightened by SailGP’s training and racing activities. The SailGP Grand Prix will lead to increased boat traffic in the area on the practice, rehearsal and racing days, increasing the risk of vessel strike to marine mammals, particularly upokohue/hector’s dolphin.”
SailGP fast-tracked the introduction of this technology which is essentially an underwater acoustic surveillance system. Powered by artificial intelligence, the system uses passive and active acoustic monitoring to detect the underwater communication and clicking of dolphins…
Flying 15 – Vials and Turner final race win claims Australian Championship
Thursday
Mar 16
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 16
2023
Posted by deleteme
Britain’s Graham Vials and Chris Turner won the final race and the 2023 Flying 15 Australian Championship/Pre-Worlds…
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 18
Thursday
Mar 16
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 16
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Team Holcim PRB retains its lead on Thursday, as the fleet compresses to within 100 miles. As per the forecast yesterday, the leader is slowing slightly and the trailing boats are nibbling into the lead…
Living the terror in the southern oceans
Thursday
Mar 16
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 16
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The shortest course through the southern oceans is to the south, but the risk is icebergs and freezing temperatures. While The Ocean Race 2023 has an ice exclusion zone to protect teams from routing toward danger, that was not always the case.
To get a feel for what it’s like to be onboard in the deep south, back when sailors were on deck during the 2001-02 Volvo Ocean Race, Gordon Maguire on News Corp shares this heart-felt and eloquent account of how raw life is on board:
The scenario: evening watch, last half-hour, it’s getting dark, last light, everything’s getting really dusky with about 400 yards visibility, and you’re looking at your watch which has 20 minutes to go. You’re thinking about I’m just over this. It’s blowing 35 knots, you’re doing 25 knots of boat speed, you’re hanging on the wheel, you haven’t lost it, you haven’t wiped out, everything’s under control…
Comanche’s 618-mile record is within IMOCA’s reach
Wednesday
Mar 15
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 15
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The scintillating performance of the four IMOCAs flying over the Southern Ocean in the third leg of The Ocean Race, has made a lot of people sit up and take notice, not least the reigning IMOCA GLOBE SERIES champion Charlie Dalin…
Whale Strike – Sunk – Pacific 2023
Wednesday
Mar 15
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 15
2023
Posted by deleteme
A sailboat hit a whale in the Pacific and quickly sank.
There is a long stories about the event, sounds like a big hull failure.Anyone know what kind of boat it was?
There is a long stories about the event, sounds like a big hull failure.Anyone know what kind of boat it was?
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 17
Wednesday
Mar 15
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 15
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Near midnight UTC overnight on Tuesday, Team Holcim-PRB made yet another gybe to the south, looking to stay close to the ice exclusion zone…
Difference between golf and sailing
Tuesday
Mar 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
In the absence of a professional league for sailing, the recreational sport finds a mix of pure amateurs with paid professionals on the same course. Bucky Buchanan, who competes in the Star Class alongside some of the notable sailors in the sport, sees this attribute as a positive.
“When golfers ask me why I like racing sailboats, I ask them if they in their wildest dreams could ever see themselves competing against Scottie Scheffler or Roy McElroy. Not a chance, they say, but in sailing you can compete against the best in the sport. It’s easy…just sign up for the regatta. No rankings required.”
During my sailmaking days for Shore and Sobstad Sails, I was a poor professional but I had a lot of hours in boats, and that was enough to overcome 1-star accommodations and happy hour meals to do well in regattas. I also liked to have fun, which made me an asset at night too.
But Hall of Famer Dave Ullman would observe how the idea of amateur sailors competing against the top pros becomes less intriguing after getting repeatedly beaten.
For me, the golf comparison fails because regardless of the score, you remain in the same foursome. To translate that to sailing, Tiger Woods is showered and into his second cocktail before you hit the dock. When the top pros bolt off the start line, leaving you gasping for clean air on the upwind leg, the joy of sailing can be hard to find.
Elapsed winners for Newport Cabo Race
Tuesday
Mar 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The 2023 Newport Beach to Cabo San Lucas had staggered starts on March 10 and 11 for the 800nm course from Newport Beach, CA to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. Here’s an update from their blog:
From the RC RC Headquarters – March 14 @ 12:38PM – RIO 100 finished at 0931hrs this morning to be the first to finish monohull. Congratulations to Manouch and the crew.
————-
From the RC NHYC Cabo Race – March 13 @ 11:03PM – Dinghy racing tactics used by NHYC Sailor Charlie Ogletree over 800 NM proves keep your boat between the competition and the finish line. Beating their fellow MOD 70 by 2 hours, Charlie credits his extensive Lehman 12 training and racing as to why they won tonight. Charlie said ” keep your boat in their way of the finish line. Words to live by! Congratulations go to NHYC Member Charlie Ogletree and the crew of Argo, “Well Done”. First to finish and winner of ORR-MH
————-
From the RC RC Headquarters – March 13 @ 09:33PM – TODAY, just seconds before 5:50 PM PDT, ARGO in 2D 14h 55M FINISHED FIRST in the ORR-MH Class. The Orion/ Argo match race lasted for 800NM and winning came down to selecting an outside or inside line to the finish in the last 20 NM. Once again Cabo Falso plays a role in how boat’s tactics complete their finish just ahead of their competition. Orion is just behind but played a huge role in attempting to upset Argo in this year’s first to finish attempt. Great to have the MOD70 multihulls in attendance and it goes to show how difficult this race course can be.
Race details – Entry list – Tracker
Monohull elapsed record set by Pyewacket 70 of 01:21:22:53.
Multihull and outright record set by H.L. Enloe’s ORMA 60 Mighty Merloe of 01:16:14:14.
The Ocean Race – Keeping the heat on along the the ice limit
Tuesday
Mar 14
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 14
2023
Posted by deleteme
With Cape Horn still nearly two weeks away the IMOCA teams are now consolidating their positions and working through job lists to keep the boats in racing condition….
death’s doorstep
Tuesday
Mar 14
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 14
2023
Posted by deleteme
Smuggling
Over the weekend, two migrant smuggling vessels capsized off San Diego’s coast, killing multiple occupants in one of the region’s worst maritime migration accidents in years.
Late Saturday, San Diego’s 911 center received a call for assistance from a woman aboard a migrant smuggling boat. She described a distress situation off Black’s Beach, a popular surfing destination just north of La Jolla, involving two pangas. Her own boat was safe at the time of the call, but the other boat had capsized with 15 people aboard.
At about 2330 hours, San Diego Fire-Rescue’s responders found two boats capsized within about 150 yards of each other, and they recovered eight bodies from the beach. No survivors were found nearby, and heavy fog hampered SAR efforts overnight. The U.S. Coast Guard launched a search with a small boat, a cutter and a SAR helicopter on Sunday morning, but suspended its participation that afternoon. More here.
February update for 37th America’s Cup
Tuesday
Mar 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
For the America’s Cup teams, the northern hemisphere winter has been cold and unpredictable whilst New Zealand has faced a poor summer of rain and storms. Here’s an update on the latest activity in this America’s Cup cycle…
Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)
The beginning of February saw the announcement that the French are back in the America’s Cup with Orient Express Team led by Stéphan Kandler and Bruno Dubois. The team will be buying a design package off Emirates Team New Zealand and on the water, the hard-driving Quentin Delapierre will skipper, Thierry Douillard will coach whilst Franck Cammas will advise as Head of Performance and Design/Sailor Co-ordinator. Benjamin Muyl has been appointed as Principal Designer with Antoine Carraz supporting as Technical Director. Orient Express Team will be operational in Barcelona in Summer 2023 with an AC40 in build at McConaghy’s.
NYYC American Magic (USA)
The de-commissioning of Patriot, the team’s warhorse AC75 from AC36, was done in some style. On the penultimate day of sailing, the much-modified rocket-ship was hitting 50 knots on the bear-aways and was given a final run-out on February 5 covering over 100 nautical miles and welcomed back to base with red, white, and blue smoke flares.
Out with the old and in with the new though, as the team took delivery of their AC40 America ahead of launching and maiden sail at the beginning of March. A team very much on the up, their winter in Pensacola Bay has been highly profitable with an assured confidence coursing through the team, now with one eye on the logistics of a move to Barcelona this summer.
INEOS Britannia (GBR)
A tricky start to the month for the British with the capsize and turtling of their prototype LEQ12 T6 on February 8 that caused extensive damage. The ‘INEOS bounce’ though was quick, with the almost immediate launch on the February 15 of the team’s AC40 Athena that had been in the shed since October whilst the concentration had been on T6.
With foiling talent to burn and deep resources all over, INEOS Britannia’s sailors barely missed a beat in getting Athena up to speed and rocketing around the Bay of Palma. The silver-lining for T6 was that it was due an extensive upgrade just before the capsize so any upset to the program was mitigated.
Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL)
It’s been a month of two-boat testing on AC40s for the Kiwis, as they continue on their path towards AC37. The established helms of Nathan Outteridge and Pete Burling began to be pushed hard in the team’s LEQ12 over short-course racing by newcomers Liv Mackay and Leo Takahashi in the One-Design AC40 overseen by Josh Junior.
A new mainsail head arrangement on the LEQ12 plus some modifications to the port anhedral foil were on display for the shared recon team, whilst the announcement that Te Rehutai – the team’s Cup-winning boat from AC36 – will very soon to be back out on Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (ITA)
The Italians continue to impress, training out of Cagliari in Sardinia aboard their LEQ12, the sailing team look the most assured on the water and confident in their development program that has seen several foil upgrades through February. Marco Gradoni and Ruggero Tita have both enjoyed significant helming time, rotating in for Francesco Bruni and Jimmy Spithill with ease.
Over short courses, the Italians have looked imperious with dynamite technique and boat-handling. In February the team ran a training camp for the next generation of Italian Youth & Women, sailing Persico 69Fs and will take delivery of their first AC40 in March 2023. The Challenger to watch for sure.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
February 15th saw a landmark moment for the America’s Cup with the launch and maiden sail of Alinghi Red Bull Racing’s AC40 becoming the first team to sail the new class in Barcelona. Meanwhile, BoatZero went back into the shed for considerable deck modifications to reduce crew numbers from eleven to eight and introduce aero cyclors into the mix that appeared at the beginning of March.
Additionally, a notable a step-change for the sailing team as they took charge of the AC40 and had it flying almost immediately. Just six days later, on February 21, the Swiss joined the capsize club as the sailors pushed harder and harder to find the limits of the AC40 having got loose on a gybe. Being based at the venue, the highly focused and settled Swiss are looking better and better with each passing month…
All nine teams for SailGP New Zealand
Tuesday
Mar 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 14
2023
Posted by XS Editor
All nine SailGP teams are set to compete in the penultimate event of Season 3 on March 18-19 in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Following a severe weather incident in Australia a month ago which caused significant damage to the fleet’s wing sails and the Canadian F50, an intense repair program has the boats ready and able to use the 18m or 24m wing configuration. However, the 29m wing configuration remains unavailable while further repairs take place.
As one of the three teams in Season 2 that competed in the $1 million final race, the United States SailGP Team has not done as well this season and will be approaching the New Zealand event with a new line-up:
Four-peat at the 2023 Bacardi Cup
Sunday
Mar 12
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 12
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The 96th Bacardi Cup (March 6-11) finished much like in 2020, 2021, and 2022 as Mateusz Kusznierewicz/ Bruno Prada won again in the 73-boat Star fleet. In the Bacardi Invitational Regatta (March 9-11), 88 teams competed in fleets for the Melges 24, J/70, VX One, and Melges 15…
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 14
Sunday
Mar 12
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 12
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Two weeks after the start of leg 3 in Cape Town, skipper Kevin Escoffier and his crew mates on Team Holcim-PRB have collected maximum points, leading the IMOCA fleet through the leg 3 scoring gate at 17:45:38 UTC Sunday 12 March…
Winning Group JJ Giltinan Championship overall
Sunday
Mar 12
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 12
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The defending champion Andoo team, John Winning Jr, Seve Jarvin and Sam Newton, retained the crown of world champion with an outstanding victory in the Winning Group JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship which concluded on Sydney Harbour…
Winning Group JJ Giltinan Championship Day 6
Saturday
Mar 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Defending champion Andoo team of John Winning Jr, Seve Jarvin and Sam Newton took the lead from the start and led the entire Race 8 of the Winning Group JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship on Sydney Harbour…
Cup Spy Mar 10: Luna Rossa hits 50kts?
Saturday
Mar 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Asked in the post session interview, as to whether he could “give us a hint any regarding the maximum boatspeed”, Team Director, Max Sirena replied “I think today we reached clearly a big number.” Our guess is the Big 50 (kts)…
From Eider Duck to Andoo Comanche
Saturday
Mar 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
In the first two months of this year over 1300 new IRC 2023 certificates have been issued to boats from 24 different countries, with a further 600 boats in 11 countries continuing to race in the southern hemisphere season under IRC 2022…
2023 Historical 18 Footer Australian Championship
Saturday
Mar 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 11
2023
Posted by XS Editor
The 2023 Historic 18 Footer Australian Championship for the Galloping Ghost Trophy was conducted by the Sydney Flying Squadron (SFS) in conjunction with the Australian Historical Sailing Skiff Association (AHSSA), on Sydney Harbour…
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 13
Friday
Mar 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
There has been more of the same in The Ocean Race on Friday – but in a good way. All four teams are clicking down the miles, racing to the east in fast reaching conditions…
VIDEO: Luxury yacht sinks in Maui
Friday
Mar 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Debris now litters Honolua Bay in the area where the luxury yacht now sits at the bottom of the ocean. Nakoa, a 94-foot 2004 Sunseeker, ran aground on February 20 and two weeks later sank in 800 feet of water before it could be towed to Honolulu, 90 miles away.
Located near the northern tip of Maui, the mooring it was on failed, and then the yacth drifted onto a reef near a marine sanctuary. Contractors provided pollution mitigation, putting absorbent materials inside the vessel to capture any loose products, and placed a containment boom around the vessel.
They also pumped diesel from the vessel fuel tanks into 55 gallon drums which were airlifted by helicopter and transported to land for disposal. Fourteen batteries were also airlifted for disposal…
First hull of the new wallywind110 sold
Friday
Mar 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Wally is proud to announce the sale of the first hull of the new wallywind110 sailing yacht to a passionate loyal client, member of the Wally family for a long time…
Successful repairs for The Ocean Race team in Cape Town
Friday
Mar 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 10
2023
Posted by XS Editor
(March 10, 2023; Day 13) – While The Ocean Race has four IMOCAs now sprinting across the Indian Ocean toward Cape Horn, the repair of GUYOT environnement – Team Europe has gone faster than expected.
Since arriving back to Cape Town on March 4 to repair a delaminated area on the port side of the hull, non-destructive testing revealed no additional damage, so the work at the improvised construction site in Cape Town progressed quickly for the yacht.
The departure for Itajaí is planned on March 16 which will have the team there in time for the start of the fourth leg of The Ocean Race on April 23.
“The repair has progressed really well,” reported skipper Benjamin Dutreux. “The team did a very good, fast, and strong job. The lamination work was completed this morning. Now a few more bumps will be filled and the laminated area will be in good shape, then the painters can start work.”
On March 12, the team will then start craning the yacht back into the water, setting the mast and refitting the yacht…
Cup Spy Mar 8: Comparing the AC40 statistics
Thursday
Mar 09
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 09
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Alinghi Red Bull Racing and American Magic both sailed their AC40’s – achieving very different statistics for achieving dry tacks and gybes…
18 Footers JJ Giltinan – Defending champions stretch lead
Thursday
Mar 09
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 09
2023
Posted by deleteme
The Andoo team of John Winning Jr, Seve Jarvin and Sam Newton won Race 7 to take a five point lead at the Winning Group JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship on Sydney Harbour…
come fly with her
Thursday
Mar 09
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 09
2023
Posted by deleteme
So here it is, I don’t have the funds to do the Mini Transat. I’m still looking for a main co-sponsor, interested? contact me: caroline.boule1@gmail.com
If you want to have your name written on the boat, you can donate (any small sum helps) here. If you want to sail on the boat: enter the drawing:
– follow my Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
– Share this in your story.
– Tag 3 friends in the comments.
– Donate something!
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 12
Thursday
Mar 09
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 09
2023
Posted by XS Editor
It’s been a fantastic 48 hours on the race track for the trio of boats chasing down the current Leg 3 leader, Team Holcim-PRB…
The Ocean Race – 11th Hour Racing Team discover cracks in both rudders
Wednesday
Mar 08
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 08
2023
Posted by deleteme
All four teams are sailing deep into the Roaring 40s. The leader, Team Holcim-PRB, has made a dive to become the boat furthest to the south…
The Ocean Race Leg 3 Day 10
Tuesday
Mar 07
2023
Posted by XS Editor
Mar 07
2023
Posted by XS Editor
It’s an interesting day in The Ocean Race with quick moving weather making for a day of transitions in the southern latitudes. The big winner over the past 24 hours is second placed Biotherm, who have gained over 30 miles on Team Holcim-PRB.
18 Footers JJ Giltinan – Noakesailing and Smeg move into lead on Day 3
Tuesday
Mar 07
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 07
2023
Posted by deleteme
After four races Noakesailing (2, 1) of Sean Langman, Ed Powys and Rhys Mara are tied for the lead with Smeg (1, 6) of Michael Coxon, James Dorron and Tom Anderson…
Sailing the Replica Ship Santa María Down the Florida Coast
Monday
Mar 06
2023
Posted by deleteme
Mar 06
2023
Posted by deleteme
It’s probably the first world history lesson that U.S. kids get in elementary school: In 1492 America was “discovered” by Christopher Columbus in the Niña, Pinta, and the flagship Santa María. He was lost and would never set foot in America, but to his dying day believed that the indigenous people of the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Central America were residents of India. He spent several months exploring the New World on that first voyage, but the Santa María was never to see Spain again, as it ran onto a reef near Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, and sank on Christmas morning.
But a version of the Santa María is sailing again. In 2018, the Fundación Nao Victoria in Huelva, Spain, launched a 200-ton, full-scale replica of the Santa María, which has spent the last few years touring North and Central America and the Caribbean, acting as a floating museum and goodwill ambassador. During 12 months of construction, the shipwrights, carpenters, ropemakers, and mechanics were faithful to the design and dimensions of the original wherever possible—a painstakingly difficult task, as the Santa María was never found and its plans lost to history.
When I first see her resting at the pier in Jacksonville, Florida, the sight is equal parts breathtaking and unsettling. Nothing outwardly betrays the ship’s 21st-century construction, right down to the whip staff at the ship’s helm and the bridge where Columbus wrote his log. There it rests in front of the Hyatt Hotel—a time traveler from the Age of Discovery.
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