A few years ago while fanning through an old copy of Chapman Piloting that was left aboard my boat by a previous owner, I discovered a lost treasure. There, stuck between the pages of nautical knowledge was a single sheet of wide-ruled notebook paper. Written neatly in pen at the very top it read: “Nola” Notes – Capt. Richard’s Log. I love finding any kind of historical info about my boat and this was pure gold. It’s so good, I’ve retyped the entire page so you can feel his pain. We’re with you Capt. Richard.
“Nola” Notes – Capt. Richard’s Log
April 5-10, 2000 – Aboard: Ricky (son), Jimmie (Grandson), Self
Wed.
1200 – Tampa – Leave on trailer for Miami
1800 – Naples – overheating – spend night
Thu
1200 – Naples – New radiator in van – start for Miami
1600 – Miami – Find ramp at Matheson Hammock Park, spend night on Univ. of Miami Campus
Fri
0900 – Ramp – Rig and Launch
1100 – Biscaine Bay – Motor out of Bay at Biscaine channel. Wind SE 10 KNTS, close hauled, 70 KM to Bimini
2300 – 16 KM NW of Bimini, wind SE 10 KNTS, cannot fight Guflstream to Bimini, start engine + wrap dinky line around prop, cannot motor to Bimini, spend night tacking against Gulf stream to hold location.
Sat
0700 – 18 NM NNW Bimini – Wind SE 15 KNTS- Sail for Miami
1700 – N. Miami Beach – Wind SW 15 KNTS – Radio says storm coming from north, sail to Biscaine Channel.
2300 – Outside Biscaine Channel – Wind West 15 KNTS, anchor
Sun
0800 – Outside Biscaine Channel – Wind N. 20 KNTS- Sail through Channel, Across Bay, into park + ramp, haul out
1700 – Sarasota – Flat tire on trailer, spend night
Mon
1100 – 4 new tires on trailer. Start for Tampa
1230 – home
NEEDED REPAIRS – Prop shaft coupling to motor, electrical system, automatic switch for front bilge pump, rudder bolts, floating rope for Dinky.
PLANS – Repair – Sail Florida W. Coast – Try for Bimini Again.
I hope he made it.
Click the image to see a scan of the page.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m an info junikie too, and it really is like gold to get information on your ‘new’ boat unexpectedly. Had a similar feeling when inquiring about my spindrift to hear from the desigener! He shared some really cool stuff.
Thanks for sharing
You’re very welcome. Yes, usually the “history” I find is some cobbled up handywork by a p.o.
I used to have a 1969 Morgan 24 that, when I got it from the Clearwater Marine Science center (it was a donated boat), was outfitted with racing gear, camping gear, everything. I always wondered what kind of fun and experiences the owners had with her.