Posted by Dan Lind on November 08, 2002 at 03:33:46 from 24.76.194.237 user captain.
My little ship was launched November 01, 2002. IT had a formal, and an Arthur Ransome significant, ceremony.
The ceremony took place in a boat house at Sidney, BC, Canada. Robbie Stevens, an eight year old TARS did the honors. On hand were GINGER WINE, (tastes a bit like Dubonnet), SQUASHED FLY BISQUITS, GROG (aka ginger beer), and in case of medical problems, a bottle of RUM for the APs.
The little ship is 46 feet long over all, has a 14' 2" beam, and displaces 30,000 pounds. IT is powered by two Detroit Diesels at 250 HP each, plus a 7.5 KW diesel generator. On ITs trial trip IT easily cruised at 21 knots. IT can sleep six in comfortable beds, and many others all over the place. IT has a diesel powered, hot water circulation heating system. Cruises from Alaska to California around Vancouver Island are being planned.
Yes, I know, "Sail is the thing...."
IT is the first power boat - all previous six boats have been sailboats, so you can see this is a radical change. Comfort and space won the day.
ITs dingy is a eleven foot long RIB (rigid inflatable) called HULLABALOO, which is powered by an outboard called SAPHO, The Unreliable.
You are all a bunch of duffers - the clue to ITs name has been given under a previous thread. (Tom could not think of a thing like that as 'she') (Prue to note.)
My thanks to Canadian TARS who visited on board in Toronto this summer and who kept the name secret. And, thanks to Ontario TARS for letting me join their Corroboree in Toronto this summer.
Oh yes, as registered formally under the Canada Shipping Act - the name of IT is ... The MARGOLETTA.