Bristol Channel Cutter Elizabeth

Maine Calls

Ben Eriksen — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:58:33 +0000

Can’t seem to help myself… every year I need a fix of the good old Maine - The Promised Land, as dubbed by my college roomate so long ago. Six days aboard the Lewis R. French this past June was just an appetizer. I’m headed back for a full meal in a few weeks. For [...]

On The Marine Railway

Ben Eriksen — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 02:11:37 +0000

If this was a car wash, I’d be getting the Basic: bottom paint, compound/wax, zincs, varnish rudder cheeks. Hauling on the railway at Gannon & Benjamin is always a treat… a sandy, listful treat. I’m concerned the boat might just list over at any moment… jack stands in the sand… endless hours of amusement. Last year [...]

Summer Dahon Cycling

Ben Eriksen — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:20:12 +0000

After my first Dahon sunk to a briney death last fall in Charleston, I forced myself to suffer through a bikeless winter in Miami to help reinforce the error of my dinghy over-loading ways. But being bikeless on the Vineyard this summer was out of the question. My 2007 Dahon MuXl was such a great [...]

Sailing Charters On Martha’s Vineyard

Ben Eriksen — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 22:50:29 +0000

Schooner Valora is a sweet little boat, and I’m thrilled to be one of her captains this season. Valora primarily does 3 hour sails from Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. There are a few other boats doing similar programs, but I must say Valora is the best suited to do so. She was built specifically for the day [...]

Re-Packed and Stuffed

Ben Eriksen — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:02:14 +0000

I’m leaving my love for a week to sail aboard my other love, the Lewis R French. Elizabeth’s stuffing box has been leaking an uncomfortable amount, and her auto bilge pump wiring and operation isn’t what it should be. So it is time to tackle the dreaded in-the-water shaft packing renewal procedure. I imagined a gushing [...]

Home Is Where You Started From

Ben Eriksen — Sun, 30 May 2010 04:31:50 +0000

Here are two common conversation scenarios I experienced while out on this short stint cruising: 1. “What kind of boat is that?” “It’s a Bristol Channel Cutter.” “Oh a Bristol, I’ve heard of those, nice.” 2. “Where are you from?” “Uh… ya mean where did I come from yesterday?” “No, where do you call home?” “Hmmm, good question… well, this boat is my home, [...]

The Project List Primer

Ben Eriksen — Thu, 20 May 2010 02:33:49 +0000

I like to keep a running list of projects taped to my cabin side wall. I like to be able to add to it with ease as soon as something crosses my mind, or breaks, lest I forget. Better yet, I like to immediately cross something off the list as soon as it’s complete. But [...]

Voyage of Exploration and Rose Pruning

Ben Eriksen — Sun, 16 May 2010 15:07:22 +0000

And by exploration, I mean sea bottom exploration. Seems that Chart Sounding Confirmation Exercises have been common this year. (Elsa) Elizabeth is a stoutly constructed vessel with a long full keel - perfectly suited for such endeavors. Here are photos of three such explorations, which were conducted in either sand or soft mud. Chart data [...]

Back In The USSA

Ben Eriksen — Sun, 09 May 2010 06:30:48 +0000

Bahamas were cool enough, I guess. We got to the Berry’s and the Abacos… the northern Bahamas. We saw 14 waterspouts in the stream…anchored on the bank overnight…got bit by a fish…went snorkeling…ran aground…ate ice cream…worked on projects…and generally enjoyed a slower pace, the sunshine, clear waters and really friendly people. We met up with [...]

Liar Liar, Pants Are Wet

Ben Eriksen — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:29:16 +0000

We thought, how funny – our stay in Miami has been book-ended by all day downpours! Not so funny however, is just how wrong the wind forecast was. The forecast was for Easterlies to veer around all night long eventually coming Northwest by 1700 the next day. A plenty doable window for the 40 mile crossing [...]