Back in 2010, we posted that “When and If“, a 1939 Alden schooner built for General George Patton, was for sale, as a result of the then current owner’s divorce. The 63’5” schooner was named “When and If” because Patton said that he planned on sailing the world in the schooner, “when the war was over and if I survive.” Ironically, Patton survived the war but died in a traffic accident just as the fighting ended.
The schooner was sold but soon was caught up in bankruptcy proceedings. Recently, New York vineyard owner, Doug Hazlitt, purchased the schooner and is having her rebuilt at Cayuga Wooden Boatworks at the north end of Cayuga Lake. You can follow her restoration on the yacht’s Facebook page.
We recently posted about a serious molasses spill in Honolulu harbor which has killed 26,000 fish and may have longer term consequences for the harbor ecology. Rick Austin was kind enough to forward an article about a far larger and more deadly molasses spill, the 
Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman’s inflatable sculpture, 
What is worse than an oil spill? A molasses spill, apparently. There are ways to clean up after an oil spill, whereas no one knows how clean up spilled molasses. Earlier this month, a 
The comeback by Oracle Team USA has been nothing short of amazing. Oracle appeared to be facing certain defeat, with only one more win needed by Emirates Team New Zealand to clinch the Cup. Nevertheless, Oracle came back with eight wins, completely shutting out the Kiwis in hard fought match-races. An incredible performance. The America’s Cup is staying in America.
For thirty years, 
If you take a cruise on a ship owned by Carnival, you may want to bring along a flashlight. The newest 
After looking like they were in an impossibly deep hole, 
On July 24th, the Dutch sail-training 
When did the great age of sail finally end? (Some would argue that it is not yet over.) If one was to pick a single date when it finally came to a close, I would choose today, fifty six years ago, September 21, 1957, when the last cargo carrying windjammer, 
I would like to thank all the readers and supporters of the Old Salt Blog. Today is the fifth anniversary of the very first post, five years ago. So happy birthday to us all. Since September 19th, 2008, the blog has been visited by 968,229 unique visitors, who have viewed 1,640,344 blog pages. Not too shabby for a personal blog. Thanks to everyone for stopping by. Please have a slice of virtual birthday cake.