Seamanlike questions

A post in answer to a couple of seamanlike questions from an American friend, Robby Wheeler on Facebook.
Robby Wheeler wrote asking: ” What ship is that and she looks a bit top heavy… has to be rough in a heavy sea”.
 
I’ll answer as best I can in reverse order.

The top hamper, yes I agree she does look top heavy, however that arrangement was common among Far Eastern ships. 

B I Sunday, (detail)
The British India SNCo operated many ships similar to this ship, an ‘M’ class.
B I ships were popular, loved locally, good signs for any business. 

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Golden Globe, more

I may well attend the start, Barry Pickthall, one of the organisers suggested I apply for a press pass; dunit. Robin tells me he is sailing ‘Suhali’ to the GGR Programme in Les Sables d’Olonne June 16, race starts July 1st Meanwhile, here, I received and dealt with ~  “«NZZ am Sonntag» is a quality … Read more

The Great Southern Ocean

With Pete Goss, a wonderful man, together designing “Spirit of Mystery. He said to me “Gordon it’s an honour to meet you” ~ while I was saying thank you I was thinking err no. Pete it is an honour to meet YOU sir ! 

Pete Goss
With Pete Goss in Spirit of Mystery

Of his painting “Spirit of Mystery” he said many memorable things including ” it has everything except the noise which is unforgettable”.

Spirit of Mystery
Spirit of Mystery in the Southern Ocean

I would like to paint another Southern Ocean scene, but would anyone buy it? Probably no one… I’d like to paint the way the late great Alex Hurst who I knew well and loved my work described it to me, with a couples of big 4 master wind jammers in a storm, perhaps from the deck of one.
What do you think?
Maybe I’ll do something for the next Golden Globe race, if I’m asked, maybe?

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At Sea

From Robin Knox-Johnston last night: “Busy right now. Heading for France. Good to hear from you though RKJ”     

Raise your glasses

It’s time to celebrate a very special achievement with Falmouth Regatta and The Golden Globe 50 th Anniversary Race.

50 Years to the day since the completion of the first single handed non stop circumnavigation.

Roaring Fortiescommissioned by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston in many ways sums up the spirit and achievement of the first single handed, non stop circumnavigation by the 26 year old Robin Knox-Johnston. The painting has become part of our British marine heritage.  

Roaring Forties” was specially commissioned by Robin and Sue Knox-Johnston for his 50th birthday as were the signed ‘Heritage’ prints for collectors (a few remain, see below).

Sailors gave the name “Roaring Forties” to the wildest ocean on our planet, below the 40 th parallel, the Great Southern Ocean.

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A Grand Day Out

Falmouth to Falmouth ~ 50 years on, 14 Th June 1968 ~ 2018.
50 th Anniversary of Robin Knox-Johnston’s voyage into the history books with ‘Suhaili’. 


Falmouth Parade of Sail (11-14th June) Falmouth celebrations and feeder race to the start in Les Sables d’Olonne (Vendee, France) of the Golden Globe Race (16 June – 1st July)? 

Roaring Forties
Roaring Forties framed

As Robin entered Falmouth he answered the customary question “where from?” with “Falmouth”. 

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Pyrates?

Following the thread of an amusing exchange of signals on the Hastings and Eastbourne Pyrates Facebook page with Andrew John Craven and almost inevitably, with Chris Fagg about ships, boats, cats and floggings, a few sea going thoughts to share with you.

 La Recouverance

La Recouverance of Brest
 
Andrew sent “watchout for those seamen wearing Bretons!”

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