Black History Month — William Tillman and the Privateer Jefferson Davis

A post in honor of Black History Month. On Throwback Thursday, a slightly revised post from July, 2011.  William Tillman was the first black hero of the American Civil War. He was not a soldier but rather a 27-year-old  cook-steward … Continue reading

Schooner Jobs — A.J. Meerwald & Lois McClure

Two fine schooners are looking for crew. The A.J. Meerwald is looking for various crew and staff positions.  A.J. Meerwald was built in 1928 as a Delaware Bay oyster schooner and is New Jersey’s official Tall Ship. A.J. Meerwald is operated by the … Continue reading

Riverboat Delta Queen & SS Badger — How Much Leeway Should Historic Ships be Given?

Is the classic 1927-built stern-wheel steamboat Delta Queen a national treasure or a not safe enough to operate?  The ship does not meet current safety standards as established by the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations.  A series of rolling two … Continue reading

Taiwan Operating World’s Oldest Submarines While Planning for New

Taiwan is now operating the two oldest submarines in service in the world, the 72 year old SS-791 Hai Shih, ex-USS Cutlass, and the 71 year old SS-792 Hai Pao, ex USS Tusk. The Taiwanese government has announced that the Hai … Continue reading

Winter Storm Breaks Up SS Palo Alto — the Strange Career of the “Cement Boat,”

Over the weekend, winter storm Kori sent record high waves smashing into the California coast. The National Weather Service said a new wave record was set as the Monterey Bay buoy recorded 34-foot waves. At Seacliff State Beach in Aptos, … Continue reading