Orion is in Bermuda....again

[Jim Walsh]

Jim,

When able would you please post a pic of your dinghy and also describe how you stow it when it's not in the water.

I lash it to the coachroof just forward of the seahood. It covers about half the midship hatch since its orientation is athwartships. I don't have a picture on this device but I'll check on my phone tomorrow. It's a new acquisition this year but I did the same with my old one. This is a 9'6" Achilles air floor. The outboard lives on a stern rail bracket. There are no issues with either of them during the passages.

[wsonntag]

Capt Hook:

No those trips were before she was made and in a number of different boats. I captained deliveries and assisted owners as a paid skipper at that time. There was an Alberg 35, a couple of Columbias, a very cool PJ 35 built by Nautor I remember that I went on to campaign with the owner during Block Island week one year. The run to the Azores was a custom hull, racing boat. I remember she was 44 feet, was a sled really, the all down wind trip suited her well. Some of that crew went on to glory as crew with Ted Turner and Courageous later in the decade. I had some great access during those campaigns, not on the crew but with press credentials and the general inside story on the Newport scene. Some serious summer parties, matched only during OpSail 76, the bicentennial. Believe me all those foreign flagged sailing tall ships did not arrive in the United States with empty holds! I'm referring to "bottled in bond" and champagne by the case - but I digress!

Back to Jim's achievement and his fine boat - huzzah!

Bill Sonntag

[Bob Lascelles]

Hi Jim

Congratulations on another successful trip to down. Have a great stay, relax, enjoy the sun and turquoise water. I must say Orion looks right at home Have a good trip back.

Bob

[Sea Hunt Video]

Jim:

I would be interested in your thoughts and observations about an "air floor" bottom versus a metal or hard wood bottom, assuming your previous dinghy had a solid bottom. I would think the air floor would be less stable to stand on.

Thanks

P.S. I am hopeful you have layed in a sufficient supply of Barritt's Ginger Beer for Dark & Stormys.

[Jim Walsh]

Jim:

I would be interested in your thoughts and observations about an "air floor" bottom versus a metal or hard wood bottom, assuming your previous dinghy had a solid bottom. I would think the air floor would be less stable to stand on.

Thanks

P.S. I am hopeful you have layed in a sufficient supply of Barritt's Ginger Beer for Dark & Stormys.

My last dinghy had wooden slats. Not a bad thing, but my first experience with an air floor was in Steve Laume's dinghy here last year. I was very impressed. I have only a weeks experience with my dinghy but I think the air floor is great. It's very solid yet it's not hard. It has no tendency to depress or give way when you step aboard, yet it's easy on old knees. It's a very stable platform.

[Jim Walsh]

Yesterday morning I saw a local fisherman at the dock preparing for a day of reef fishing. In the late afternoon I went ashore for ice and noticed he had returned. I asked if he had any luck and he proudly showed me two coolers full of his catch. I asked if he'd be willing to sell a small one for my supper. He asked what species I'd like but I left the choice up to him as I'm unfamiliar with most of the local fish.
Here's a picture of my "catch" before it was filleted, lightly breaded, and pan fried in a spoonful of oil. Needless to say it was delicious and I'm still alive this morning!
If anyone recognizes the species I'd be interested for future reference.

[Sea Hunt Video]

Red Hind, part of Grouper family

[Steve Laume]

Last year, a couple on another boat showed me a copy of a reef fishes book they had. Something like; reef fishes of the Caribbean. It not only had great pictures of the various species but also the depths and environments in which the were likely to be found. The best part of each description was a rating of eatability. That was probably an excellent eating fish. You could have gotten a guy who would be passing off the equivalent of sea robins or conners. Then again, the people are nice there so I would trust a local with his fish choice, Steve.

http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/saltwater/

[Steve Laume]

At first, I thought you were going to post about getting invited to go Wahoo fishing with the cedar boat guy. I would be checking with him for my next fish meal, Steve.

[Jim Walsh]

Red Hind, part of Grouper family

Thanks Roberto. Fine eating fish. This is one of the times refrigeration would be an asset. He had several larger ones but I can only buy what I can consume that day since I have an ice box.

[Jim Walsh]

At first, I thought you were going to post about getting invited to go Wahoo fishing with the cedar boat guy. I would be checking with him for my next fish meal, Steve.

I know exactly who you are referring to. I watch him like a hawk. I haven’t seen him cleaning any wahoo yet. I’ll pay him a visit when I do. I could make a meal on what he leaves on the rack. Wahoo cheeks, mmmm

[Jim Walsh]

We've had more than our fair share of windy and wet weather here. Yesterday was another unsettled and blustery day, as is today. Showers, some of them torrential downpours, and winds from 22 to 35 knots. Just enough to keep one checking on your position and that of your neighbors. I swam down to check on my anchor a few days ago and it's well set as usual. Good ground tackle is a blessing.
A friend from last year arrived two days ago. He has a beautiful Nova Scotia built schooner. Steve will recognize this boat as we both spent time admiring it and getting the owner to share some build details.
The weather should be dramatically improved tomorrow and for the next several days so I'm looking forward to swimming in neon green water under blue skies once again.

Here is a photo of the schooner as it arrived from sea. He is now anchored on my starboard side.

[John Stone]

Excellent post Jim. A lovely schooner to be sure. Sounds like you’re having a fine time. Sorry I couldn’t make it this year wit the FR. Next time. We are on a week long cruise on the coast of NC. Unsettled and rainy wx here too.

Keep those pictures and stories coming.

[Steve Laume]

That little schooner was one of the classiest boats in Bermuda. Older captain, younger crew, and they had a ship's cat. One of the main features was a rum keg that they filled with cheap rum in the Caribbean. It had a deck fill! When I asked why, the answer was simple. A keg of rum is heavy. Whats not to love about this guy and his boat?

I am deep in my dodger project and kind of wishing I was in Bermuda, Steve.

[Jim Walsh]

Jim,

When able would you please post a pic of your dinghy and also describe how you stow it when it's not in the water.

You can see my dinghy stowed for sea in this photo taken a couple hundred miles north of Bermuda.