I had the pleasure of sailing with someone who founded and leads a non-profit foundation that helps school kids improve their science and math skills by connecting them with adults with careers in these fields. These 'working scientists' and their employers agree to donate some of their time to remotely connect online with these kids and mentor … [Read more...]
Squeak!
"Can't we stop that noise?" asked one of my students on last week's 7-day catamaran cruising course. He was referring to a squeak that had developed in our steering wheel that was likely caused by the wheel's break bushing not completely disengaging from the its shaft. And he was right in that, if it was that annoying, we probably could take the … [Read more...]
Cat to the Future
Just back from a week coaching a new owner of the latest Lagoon 52. Link to Lagoon's presentation of the boat Since seeing them enter the BVI scene a few months ago I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical about the new approach that Lagoon were taking with the location and proportions of this catamaran's rig. It seemed … [Read more...]
“Up to Eleven”
In the mockumentary movie, 'This is Spinal Tap', the guitarist character Nigel Tufnel shows off an amplifier where the volume control, instead of going from zero to ten, "...goes to eleven". Watch the one minute clip here. The popularity of the film caused the saying to subsequently be used when something is being taken to its maximum … [Read more...]
Heads up Cats: be especially wary of a lee shore
Last summer I had the pleasure of coaching the owners of a modern 45’ cruising catamaran on the challenges and satisfaction that comes from an open water inter-island passage: in this case from the BVI south to Grenada. The month was July which is technically within the Caribbean's storm season (June through November) but statistically unlikely to … [Read more...]
What’s This All About?
Hello sailors, old and new. In these pages, I'll occasionally post observations, tips and musings on sailing in general and Caribbean sailing in particular. So check back from time to time or sign-up to recieve free updates. See you on the water! … [Read more...]