Profiles

 

I finally took leave of the Schooner Virginia after these last two profile shots. Quite appropriately, I just finished reading David Grann's excellent new book entitled The Wager last night--fuels the imagination while also offering a stark reminder of what life aboard these ships was really like during the age of sail.

Pinrail

 

"A belaying pin is a solid metal or wooden device used on traditionally rigged sailing vessels to secure lines of running rigging. Largely replaced on most modern vessels by cleats, they are still used, particularly on square rigged ships.

A belaying pin is composed of a round handle and cylindrical shaft. The shaft is inserted into a hole in various strategically located wooden pinrails (lining the inside of the bulwarks, surrounding the base of masts, or free-standing, called fife rails) up to the base of the handle. A line is then led under and behind the base of the pin then round the top till at least four turns are complete.” — Wikipedia

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

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

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.

Summer Fashions

PHL

 

Had about an hour layover in Philadelphia before heading home to Virginia, my first visit to that city's international airport. No time, though, for one of its iconic cheesesteaks or even a hoagie. Another time, maybe. :-)