Monday, July 31, 2023

Halyards

 


"In sailing, a halyard or halliard is a line (rope) that is used to hoist a ladder, sail, flag or yard. The term 'halyard' derives from the Middle English halier ('rope to haul with'), with the last syllable altered by association with the English unit of measure 'yard'. Halyards, like most other parts of the running rigging, were classically made of natural fibre like manila or hemp." -- Wikipedia

Sunday, July 30, 2023

Knockabout

 


"The replica Virginia was commissioned by the Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation and built, with about $5 million in state and federal funding, by Tri-Coastal Marine in Norfolk, Virginia. She was completed in 2005. She is a gaff rigged knockabout schooner, meaning she lacks a bowsprit; her headsails can be handled and furled from the deck." -- Wikipedia

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Schooner

 


Have you ever been to Yorktown, Virginia? I don't mean the battlefield where Cornwallis famously surrendered his forces to George Washington. I'm referring to the town and, even more specifically, to its wharf. Actually, it had been a long time since I visited there, but I recently got news that the Schooner Virginia was going to be docked there for a couple of days and so I made sure I was there as soon as it dropped its gangway.