The Return of Schooner Lettie G. Howard

Yesterday, while maneuvering our 18′ catboat through the traffic in the Morris Canal on the West bank of the Hudson off Lower Manhattan, we had the pleasure of crossing paths with the schooner Lettie G. Howard. Lettie is an 1893 Fredonia-model fishing schooner owned and … Continue reading

USS Constitution to Get Underway to Commemorate the D-Day & Midway

The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned naval warship afloat. The wooden three masted “super-frigate” in launched in 1797, is due for a three year overhaul and dry-docking starting in early 2015.  Before the historic ship enters the shipyard, she will leave the … Continue reading

Friendly Floatees — What 29,000 Yellow Ducks, Red Beavers, Blue Turtles and Green Frogs Tell Us About Ocean Dumping

Yesterday, we posted about the Big Rubber Duck, which is scheduled to lead the Tall Ships Grand Parade of Sail at the Tall Ships Festival L.A., August 20, 2014. One commenter suggested that we needed more rubber ducks while another suggested … Continue reading

Good News — State of Pennsylvania Commits $4.8 Million to Overhaul Brig Niagara

Good News — the State of Pennsylvania has committed $4.8 million for a major overhaul of the Brig Niagara.  As reported by YourErie.com:  “Maintaining the Brig Niagara, a sea-going legacy of American freedom and the sacrifices of the men who sailed her … Continue reading

Yacht Cheeki Rafiki Feared Lost, Four UK Sailors Missing, Controversy as Coast Guard Calls Off Search

UPDATE:  The US Coast Guard has resumed the search for the missing crew from the Cheeki Rafiki.   Over 200,000 signed petitions asking that the search be resumed.  British Prime Minister David Cameron thanked the Coast Guard on Twitter after it made … Continue reading

Wreck of Steamer Planter Found On South Carolina Coast — Commanded by Robert Smalls

Two years ago, we posted about the the 150th anniversary of the seizure of the Confederate armed transport, CSS Planter, by Robert Smalls, a 23 year old mulatto slave, and eight fellow slaves. Smalls, who had served as the pilot of the … Continue reading