Like some farmers I know who use their tractors for decades, careful with maintenance, it seems vessels like John B. Caddell have remarkable longevity. If I drove a 67-year-old Chrysler on my commute, I’d spur some bewildered looks, strange comments in the coffee room. Yet John B. and sibs never do. Here’s John B. Caddell [...]

A recent post showed how popular is the weather as a topic for discussion. Well today we were lucky enough to see some classic November weather in old London town. As you can see from the above 3 hourly forecast, we saw a great variety too.

It started off a bit damp, then there were the odd drops leading up to a sprinkling followed by a drizzle. Then had a gentle shower after which there was some light rain. There was a time when it was nice for ducks, before it settled in for the day.  read more »

[Source: Ericsson Racing Team] Ericsson Racing Team won Leg 2 of the Volvo Ocean Race today when Ericsson 4, skippered by Olympic gold medalist Torben Grael of Brazil, crossed the finish line at 04:22:30 local time, 2252:30 GMT on Nov. 29.

Ericsson 4 completed the 4,450-nautical-mile leg from Cape Town, South Africa, in 14 days, 11 hours, 32 minutes and 30 seconds. The crew earned 12 points on the leg - 8 points for the leg win and 4 points for first at the scoring gate. Ericsson 4 now has 26 points total and retains the fleet lead.

"Everybody's very happy. It was a very tough leg with so many different conditions," said Grael. "It's just the beginning of the race, and there are some difficult legs ahead of us. A lot of unexpected things can happen, it's good to be in the position we're in."  read more »

My expensive TrueCharge 20 has died. In todays economy a couple of weeks before Christmas I am in no position to lay out another $300+ to replace it. The current demand is not great as the boat is out of commission but in the water for the winter....

International Etchells Black Magic (USA 125)  read more »

MC Skow and J/24  read more »

Im looking at buying one. ----------------- www.Newsgroup-Binaries.com - *Completion*Retention*Speed* Access your favorite newsgroups from home or on the road -----------------

.... with a spectacular pitch pole wipeout about 1/3rd of the way. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP3oJ4htjSY

On Wednesday I completed my 89th sail of the year, launching from Independence Park in Bristol, sailing upwind in a brisk southerly, around Castle Rocks in the harbor mouth, and then riding the waves back downwind. For some reason I seem to be channeling Paul Simon again..  read more »

I have been trying to find a phone number to get the marine forecast for coastal areas from NOAA. I dont have a web capable phone, but I can send and receive text messages. So far all I can find is to send a text message to SEA 42278 and I will get a...