Chauncy Maples, Africa’s Oldest Ship, Returning as Clinic Ship on Lake Malawi

In 1898, the Chauncy Maples was built at the shipyard of Alley & McLellan in Glasgow.   She was then disassembled into 3,481 parts and shipped out for reassembly at Monkey Bay as a missionary/hospital steamer on Lake Malawi.  Now, one hundred and … Continue reading

Donald Scott Sutherland – Chronicler of New York Harbor

Don Sutherland, marine photographer and writer, died on May 24 of cancer.  In the words of Carolina Salguero, Director, PortSide NewYork,  “Don covered the working waterfront in this port like no other with an adoring eye, passionate voice and sharp … Continue reading

Fire in Tampa, Lightning in the Gulf and the Battleship Texas Still Afloat

Busy days in the Gulf of Mexico.  On the surface above the continuing Deepwater Horizon disaster yesterday, a drill  ship attempting to contain the oil was struck by lightning and caught on fire shutting down containment operations.  Reportedly, operations resumed today.   BP: Oil … Continue reading

100th Anniversary of Scott’s Sailing to Antarctica

Yesterday was the 100th anniversary of Captain Scott‘s departure from Cardiff on his ill-fated expedition to reach the South Pole.    The tall ship Stavros S Niarchos sailed across Cardiff Bay, reenacting the departure of Scott’s ship, the Terra Nova.   The Royal Navy’s HMS … Continue reading

Mother Teresa, the Empire State building, and the Aircraft Carrier Intrepid

This August 26th will be the one hundredth anniversary of Mother Teresa‘s birth.  The Empire State Building in New York City changes its lighting for major holidays and special events.  The Catholic League has requested that the building be lit blue and … Continue reading

“Zeb-Schooner Life” Screening by the National Maritime Historical Society

Zeb Tilton was a legendary schooner captain from Martha’s Vineyard.  “Zeb-Schooner Life,” a documentary of his life and times is being screened tonight at 6:30 by the National Maritime Historical Society at the Hendrick Hudson Free Library in Montrose, NY.  Commentary will … Continue reading

Something Best Not to Think About When on a Cruise

When on a cruise vacation, I can imagine nothing less relaxing than worrying that the cruise line vacation planner might have given your home address to thieves, who were breaking into your house as you waited in line for the midnight buffet on the cruise ship. Bethsaida Sandoval, … Continue reading

Sagres in San Diego and San Diego in Pascagoula

Last week, one of my favorite tall ships, the Portuguese Sail Training Ship Sagres visited San Diego, California. This weekend, on the Gulf Coast in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the US Navy christened the USS San Diego, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship.    Not to be too critical … Continue reading