Back in the saddle, or um, whatever

What would the nautical equivalent of the phrase "back in the saddle" be?  I think I'm forgetting some common salty line there but it's eluding me.  Nevertheless I'm back and working on picking back up in the NHS pipeline of events and activities.  The hurricane did very little damage around the Dockyard, with most of the headaches being concentrated on policing up fallen branches.  And thankfully I have yet to receive any report of any of our members suffering much - so that is great.

But back here in the office, I'm suddenly overcome by that feeling best described as 'a case of the Mondays' although I hope this isn't the sort of place where I'd get my a$$ kicked for saying something like that (this is an easy one, a cult classic!).  After a week sailing aboard a tall ship, followed by a mad dash into a hurricane zone and two days cooking on my livingroom fireplace, the office has easily lost its usual charms.  I'm itching for more excitement, but more on that later - I'm sure everyone would agree that my boredom is dangerous.  But first, a little bit about the past week, and my absence.

Looking for trouble

This weekend our framing party was cancelled as the focus shifts from the Launch to the two restoration project Monomoys. Not that I particularly enjoy that - in fact, its got me a little flustered. The best shop space we have - the project that fits it perfectly and has been under construction for TWO FLIPPING YEARS - is on hold yet again.

Nevertheless, I set to work to complete the surveys of the two donated Monomoys.

First, I started with a vacuum and a scrap of fir that had a rounded point. Digging up the debris in the bilge, I cleaned every chunk of crap out of both boats - ending up with about 30 lbs of it when all was said and done. That, by the way, does not include the rusted iron pipe fittings, old hawser, empty cigarette packs, used emergency water ration bags and instruction cards and oyster shells that I pulled out by hand. All in all, there might have been 100 lbs of JUNK in there, none of it helping to preserve the boats, from what I could tell.

I then went over the entire structure of both boats with a scraper, a screwdriver, a sail knife and a flashlight. Tapping on every surface I could find with the screwdriver, I searched for the rot I knew was there. When I hit it, I probed with the screwdriver and knife, carefull not to destroy too much. But after all, if its going to fall apart I need to know ASAP. The scraper came in handy scraping coat after coat of flaking paint. Blue, white, gray, orange - what DIDN'T the cadets paint these boats? And as a heads up, lads, wooden boats need scraping too - rather than the "once for dust, twice for rust" mantra. Argh.

When all was said and done, I found relatively sound structures. The same old odd things need to go - the rotten stem and sternposts on No. 2 and all of the keel through-bolts on both boats - which, by the way - iron? Really? Who thought THAT was a good idea? I owe you a scotch and razor blade mixer, hold the scotch.

Both boats need extensive re-framing too. So the guy who's never sucessfully steam bent a thing in his life needs to get hot - literally - all over that subject. Not all need to go but I'll be damned if it ain't close. I'm thinking a process of removal of every-other frame at a time should keep the boat relatively stable during the process, but we'll see. I'm also praying to sweet baby god of fasteners that THOSE have held up - I'd really like to use those holes again (how many times have I thought THAT before? no kids, you shouldn't get that.).

The planking as a whole, at least on No. 3, looks really good. There are a few places where its pulling away from the frames but that should - note should - be easily fixed once the frames are taken care of. The only thing that worries me is the planking on No. 2, at the hood ends where the planks attach to the stem and sternposts, which I know are rotten. Hopefully that cancer hasn't spread too far, and I can re-use those holes too. Won't know too much about it until the fiberglass is off of her. I've got my respirator, poop suit and full face mask - let's dance biatch.

On a definately positive note, I found the boat plug for No. 3 buried in the debris! I know, its a small victory, but its all I've got so far so be quiet.

BT

I've been asked about those letters, the BT and NNNN. For you non-Navy message traffic reading types, BT means 'break transmission', equivalent to STOP in telegrams. NNNN in flashing light or in message traffic means 'end of message'. There is no Nicholas Newton Newbury the Ninth in NHS that I know of.

BT

The plan of the week is as follows - pencils ready? - today when I get back I'll be working on the stabilization of the boats. I've decided to do away with the complicated setup idea I had before and stick to what I know - copious use of blocks and shims. Hey, whatever works. And those crap cradles need to meet my fire pit this week. That should continue through the week, and hopefully by next weekend I'll be ready to start stripping fiberglass. Once that's off, I can figure out what to do next.

If anybody's free this week, feel free to stop by and help the wierdo fixing your boats in his back yard. Not that I mind the solace - it lets you keep thinking highly of me. Besides, it means I don't have to walk all the way back into the house every time I have to go.

NNNN

A quick lesson on "not being that guy"

From a recent Navy Situation Report (SITREP):

WHILE ON LIBERTY, SVM WAS SEPARATED FROM LIBERTY PARTY. SVC WAS FOUND DRUNK ON SIDEWALK BY COLOMBIAN POLICE. AS POLICE WERE ATTEMPTING TO ASSIST SVM, SVM TRIED TO RESIST HELP AND BECAME VIOLENT. POLICE ARRESTED SVM AND TOOK HIM TO THE HOSPITAL FOR OBSERVATION. DURING THIS TIME, SVM PLACED A CALL TO A FRIEND IN MIAMI, FL. STATING HE WAS TAKEN HOSTAGE BY COLOMBIANS. HIS FRIEND THEN PLACED A CALL TO 911 AND REPORTED THE ALLEGED HOSTAGE SITUATION. THE POLICE MADE A CALL TO SOUTHCOM TO QUERY THIS SITUATION. 4TH FLEET NOTIFIED IWO JIMA AND IWO JIMA VERIFIED THERE WAS NO HOSTAGE SITUATION. SVM IS CURRENTLY BACK ONBOARD IWO.

Way to go, shipmate. I'm still trying to figure out how to escape the Dreaded Burrito Gang.

NNNN

FULLBORE FRIDAY - the smoking lamp is lit in all authorized spaces

Well, it is time again for Fullbore Friday. Yes, yes, I know its a cheap rip off from CDR Salamander but his are way better anyway. Besides, my shenanagins are cheeky and fun... nevermind. Studies have statistically shown that 9 out of 10 people don't get these references.


BT


Smoking, and tobacco use in other forms, is undoubtedly a common habit among modern Navy sailors. In fact, it's pretty common throughout the armed services. That's not to say it's a good idea to start, or that this trend should continue. And in all seriousness, there are many in NHS who should quit eh-hem... yeah. It is your legal right, and you are free to choose, but there is no mistaking the irreparable damage you are doing to your body, and hence a vital piece of miltary equipment, when you choose to light up.

Now I know that many Sailors pick this habit up before they enter the military. Many have parents or other outside influuences that promote the habit, actively or passively. But the culture of the modern Navy - where smoke decks are regular places of temporary refuge and even unofficial business transactions - can do little to correct the situation. Just know that smoke decks are dangerous places - and not only for the company.

And for those of us who feel that smoking doesn't impede our work, we should take a quick look at all the time we spend "thinking things over" while puffing away. The Launch would probably be done by now, if not for the frequent breaks. Unfortunately I know what happens when I curtail those...

BT

Okay I've completed another Friday entry. Some of it was funny. If you are a smoker, you need to SERIOUSLY CONSIDER taking steps to quit. The Navy's tobacco cessation course is actually quite thorough, and might be able to help you. Think about it, that's all I ask. I am.

NNNN

Fullbore Friday - yeah one of those

Yes, its back, if only for one out of eight more Fridays! This week is a reflection about operations - and getting the job done safely, efficiently, and using sound judgement. These things can really make or break an activity or an event for yourself or the whole group.

BT

First, a disclaimer. Some links definately fall under the 'bad influence on kids' group. Others are just plain silly. There is some bad language used. Complaints may be addressed to

NHS Complaint Department

c/o Dinsdale Pyranna

Behind the Pipes

Third Stall Along

Grand Central Station

BT

Proper training is a constant necessity. The adage 'if you can't tie a knot, tie a lot' is BS and won't fly here. The average NHS sailor may not be the best hand at marlinspike seamanship, but we're working on that. Taking a few extra minutes to learn the right way to do something will save time and energy later on, rather than making do with what might work.

Learning the edge of "the envelope" is also a necessity in sailing and boating in general. And knowing when to push it and when not to is essential. This we try to pass on with experience and careful study, from one generation of sailor to another, that we can try and avoid crossing that boundary and putting ourselves, our ships and our shipmates in danger.

Considering these essential elements, we now focus on regular operations. During drills and in 'action', it is important to remember to hone your skills and be confident in your actions. Even the right actions, performed sheepishly, can lead to accidents.

Of course, it is important to enjoy the fruits of your labor, too - and I don't mean for anyone to think we shouldn't have a good time. You should enjoy yourself, and feel a deep satisfaction that you are not only increasing your professional skill and knowledge, but engaging in a past time not available for many people. This is all about recreation, for officers and enlisted personnel alike.

For now, I think I'll be happy so long as we don't do anything really stupid. Then again, you could join the Army.

Have a good weekend! I'll be in the shop tonight, tomorrow and Sunday for those who want to come out and lend a hand!

NNNN

a bloody great hole in the leg, or, how to launch the Monomoy single handed

This morning I am still hurting from the weekend, as we had a neverending stream of things to do. First and foremost was Harborfest, our second event of the year with the Monomoy Pulling Boat. It was there that my fun started for the weekend.

The boat ramp in Harbor Park is difficult to find - it is literally just a concrete slab one lane wide that descends at a perilous angle into the water, where huge rocks and debris clutter up its end. There are no docks of any sort and the nearest place to embark is a wrecked pier some 20 yards away from the launch ramp. Where better to try launching the boat single-handed, right? Well first you have to understand the progression of events here.

First, I was 90 minutes early with the boat, earlier than my usual hour. I had the boat ready to go within about 10 minutes, and decided to more carefully examine the ramp with the trailer. Backing slowly, I stopped every few feet to get out, examine the trailer on the ramp, then back a little further. The plan was to just "examine" the ramp's suitability. But by the time it was clear that 1) the trailer would in fact fit down the ramp, 2) there was nobody around to whine that I was taking too long, and 3) I have rowed the boat single handed before, I thought what the hell - I cast off the straps, then jumped in the car and lowered her all the way down.

Now on this ramp, all the way down is a technical term. Basically it means until the stern is floating, the ramp being at such a steep pitch that its unadvisable to try to get the whole trailer in there. When set, I locked the brakes on the car, put it in gear and shut down the engine. Then I jumped out and manned the winch, lowering the boat off the trailer and into the water. She slid easily down without a problem and in about 10 seconds flat, she was afloat. I then took a moment to chock the wheels of the truck to prevent it from going anywhere, then approached the boat to jump in. And that's when disaster set in. Not thinking about the slimy ramp, I took one step and slid under the trailer, punching a nice hole in my leg and bruising the crap out of my back as my leg went careening under the trailer and my back onto the keel rollers.

Taking a moment to recover and survey the damage from this absolutely DUMB mistake, I pulled myself onto the bow platform and broke out the first aid kit. I got the hole patched up with a little disinfecting medical adhesive, and swabbed up the blood, both off my leg and the side of the boat (save it for the Pirate Festival). I then unhooked the bow and sitting atop the stowed mast and sail, grabbed two of the 14' ash oars and rowed the boat clear of the trailer. An onsetting wind helped me get the boat to the makeshift dock, at which I tied myself up, and went back to park the car.

So all in all, a very interesting launch. Could have ended very badly, but didnt thanks to the well-equipped boat. Next time, I just need to make sure I stick to the 'two person integrity' rule.

BT

The remainder of the event went well, and was nothing if not an exercise in what a few well-trained sailors can do. When the appointed hour rolled around, only two crew members had shown up. Remember, this boat has a standard crew of 10 - six people hadn't shown. So after waiting the requisite 15 minutes, we decided to work into the river with just the three of us. NHS Seaman Reese took the steering oar, while NHS Seaman Jones and I pulled for him on the three thwart. Once out into the river, we rigged the leeboard and hoisted sail - just the three of us - and sailed into downtown Norfolk for the festival.

I have to say, without the weight of the full crew sailing is TIGHT. The empty thwarts start 'talking' and the mast strains against the collar. With two people required to top up the halyard, the coxswain has to hand the sheet as well as the steering oar. But considering that all three of us had made the trip across the Chesapeake, this proved to be no problem. She heeled with the freshening breeze as we three crowded the weather rail to balance the boat. We made it to Nauticus without a problem, and astounded our fans waiting on the dock (yes, we have a few fans, mostly friends and family). We tied up and disembarked (debarked, in Navy speak) and set out to enjoy the festivities.

Here, I should note that next year we need to get involved with the other events. They had a "quick and dirty boatbuilding" competition, a "dock dog olympics" and other events we could easily compete in.

By about 1900 the skies had started to darken and the wind began freshening. With only the three of us, we lacked the ballast for stability we'd need in foul weather. So we made the decision to set off back up the river for the recovery site. Once we'd worked out into the river, we made excellent time sailing, reaching the ramp before 1930. Haul out went much smoother than I'd hoped for and we had the boat recovered and heading home before 2000.

Special thanks to NHS Seamen Reese and Jones - you guys were SHIT HOT out there and really made an otherwise bust event a great time! You rock!

BT

The remainder of the weekend was spent hauling trash and debris out of the dockyard and searching for signs of infection. All those old fence posts, chain link fencing and the debris from the Framing Bay tearout have been removed, and the leg seems to be healing nicely. The Framing Bay expansion is on schedule to be finished by Wednesday's meeting and the whole thing should get a new coat of paint soon after. This looks to be a very exciting week.

BT

Weekly meeting Wednesday at 1900, free beer, soft drinks and snacks.

NNNN

Many things in sailmaking should not be discussed in front of children

So the day before yesterday I stopped in to see another local sailmaker. I wanted to inquire about borrowing a few things, and in exchange I brought a bucket of pine tar. TANGENT - I've decided to make pine tar car air fresheners in the form of a mini-monkey's fist. The bucket made my car smell that terriffic! But I digest...

The conversation with the local sailmaker started out inocent enough - "can I borrow a rubber?" He thought nothing of it, I thought nothing of it. The parents of the children running around stood agape just out of my view. "I'm done seaming her up and I need to give her a real good going over."

"Sure, Will. I have several that I've used before" he said "they're better fitted to my hand but once you start the back and forth you'll be fine with it." There was a slight wretch from the parents as he dug through a dirty cabinet looking for it.

Well, I walked out with the rubber I needed, which is a hardwood block ergonomically shaped and smoothed for rubbing down seams and folds in canvas - I've been using a large polished rock with limited success. And it only cost me about a pint of pine tar... and part of my good name. Because what I didn't see was the parents angrily leading their children out of the shop (what were they doing there anyway?) before they could find out what we were talking about.

The joys of finishing the seaming - about half the work in making - the Monomoy's dipping lug sail, were completely overshadowed by the 'oh s*&t' factor. I'm a bad person, what can I say?

Will