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"You know you're old if you can remember when bacon, eggs and
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Suzanne & Dave at Versailles 1997 |
Orange Blossom Special |
Black Dog |
| Orange Blossom Special is a Soverel 26 we raced in the
lower Chesapeake Bay during the mid-late 1980s. The boat was fast, the
crew awesome, and the partying second to none. Highlights include
winning high-point for our class for the Cheasapeake Bay, five out of six
class wins at the Cock Island Race (two overalls), and no jail-time for
any of us (at least for sailing related incidents).
Chesapeake is a Peterson 43. I was her navigator during 1990-1993. Sorry there is no picture. Highlights include winning Fall & Spring series in Annapolis, Race Weeks in Block Island, Soloman's Island and Key West, and the Maryland Governor's Cup (overall). Black Dog is a Dyer 29, hull number 11, built in 1959 by The Anchorage in Warren, Rhode Island. The fiberglass hulled, semi-custom Dyer 29 is still in production with a lengthy waiting list. This style of boat is referred to as a downeaster, lobster yacht, or picnic boat. In addition to use as cruisers, they also serve as water taxies, pilot launches, and work boats. Black Dog is powered by a 1998 Marine Power 350 cubic-inch gasoline engine producing 300 horsepower. She cruises easily in most sea conditions at 15 knots (17mph) while burning apx. 10 gallons per hour. Top speed is 22 knots, or 25mph. Two 50 gallon fuel tanks provide enough range to cruise from Hampton to Annapolis non-stop in about eight hours. Navigation equipment consists of a ships compass, GPS, fishfinder/sounder,
VHF radio, and searchlight. Accommodations include a dinette which converts
to a cozy berth, marine toilet, and cooking facilities. Black Dog is easily
handled by a couple. She is currently used for weekend cruises, fishing,
sunset cocktail cruising, and race committee/mark boat for sailboat races
out of the Hampton Yacht Club.
"Something about sailing a boat brings so many senses and sensations into play that it's very difficult to pinpoint what it is, specifically, that makes me like it so much: the sight of sails and sheets overhanging the water; the foam and spray flying as the bow cuts the water; the motion of the boat; the physical and mental ballet necessay to handle the boat correctly. A sailboat might just be the most beautiful, sensuous, and intelligent blend of man/machine/elements that exists in the world today. The relationship between the three is the most harmonious I have experienced so far. Besides, you can have a beer while you do it. " |
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