THE TALEGA T's

Today was not a very good day for a sail (almost zero wind) but it was an excellent day to catch up with friends, be on the water and stay cool while the rest of the southland simmered in record temps. T and T are new to the area and they love their Realtor. So it was fun showing them the harbor from Serenity Now and raving about the cuisine and ambience at the Harbor Grill and Proud Mary's. The T's are a great addition to San Clemente, and speaking of additions, check back on this blog in mid-January for an exciting update.

THE IRON GENNY

I can't imagine any large sailboat without an engine, but for hundreds of years boats sailed without them. Serenity Now has a Universal 35 horsepower diesel engine. This little kicker can get one out of a jam in a moments notice. Iron gennys should be well-cared for and pampered, and this one is. 

ITALIAN GARDENS & RIPPER'S COVE

Johnny Dorado, Waffles and Sailor Sam made a formidable crew as we ventured to Santa Catalina Island last weekend. The first day and night was spent at Italian Gardens. The next day we moved to Ripper's. The snorkeling did not disappoint although Sailor Sam missed catching a yellowtail. There's always next time.

DOES IT GET ANY BETTER?

Sunny, warm, 10 knot breeze from the SW, a sail boat and a crew. That's a perfect beginning for a wonderful afternoon on the water. Today the Admiral and I journey'd down the coast and enjoyed the moment. All was good, EXCEPT the Angels lost to the Yankees leaving the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th. Oh well, next time.

A LITTLE BIT OF NAVAL HISTORY

The U.S.S. Constitution (Old Ironsides), as a combat vessel, carried 48,600 gallons of fresh water for her crew of 475 officers and men. This was sufficient to last six months of sustained operations at sea. She carried no evaporators (i.e. fresh water distillers).

However, let it be noted that according to her ship's log, "On July 27, 1798, the U.S.S. Constitution sailed from Boston with a full complement of 475 officers and men, 48,600 gallons of fresh water, 7,400 cannon shot, 11,600 pounds of black powder and 79,400 gallons of rum." 

Her mission: "To destroy and harass English shipping."

Making Jamaica on 6 October, she took on 826 pounds of flour and 68,300 gallons of rum.

Then she headed for the Azores , arriving there 12 November. She provisioned with 550 pounds of beef and 64,300 gallons of Portuguese wine.

On 18 November, she set sail for England . In the ensuing days she defeated five British men-of-war and captured and scuttled 12 English merchant ships, salvaging only the rum aboard each.

By 26 January, her powder and shot were exhausted. Nevertheless, although unarmed she made a night raid up the Firth of Clyde in Scotland . Her landing party captured a whiskey distillery and transferred 40,000 gallons of single malt Scotch aboard by dawn. Then she headed home.

The U. S. S. Constitution arrived in Boston on 20 February 1799, with no cannon shot, no food, no powder, no rum, no wine, no whiskey, and 38,600 gallons of water .

GO NAVY!