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Author Archives: Tony Johnson
Nautical Terminator – Roger
Tradewinds instructor Dan Seifers asked me the other day why we say “Roger” on the radio to confirm we’ve received a message. Why Roger, and not Reginald, or for that matter, Hermione? If you go cruising you’ll probably want … Continue reading
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Nautical Terminator – Pronunciation (Part 2)
Last time we spoke of the odd pronunciations of some sailing terms. Today we will delve into some less certain ones. Saloon: Some folks use “salon” when referring to the dining and lounging area belowdecks. Well, do you go … Continue reading
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Nautical Terminator – Pronunciation (Part 1)
I once heard Bugs Bunny derisively call someone a “maroon.” Bugs didn’t know how to pronounce “moron,” thereby proving he was one. Tradewinds’ BKB class introduces the word “bowline,” which is not pronounced like it looks. The “bow” should sound … Continue reading
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Women Who’ve Been Around
This month is women’s history month, and as if to put an exclamation point on that, on March 7, 29-year-old, 5’2” 100-pound Cole Brauer claimed her permanent place in the history of sailing when she sailed her First Light across … Continue reading
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Nautical Terminator – King Tides
In this world of few certainties, there is one thing that I am certain of: I am not certain how the tides work. Oh, it’s the moon’s gravity, and I think the sun is involved. Well, then, how is it … Continue reading
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Nautical Terminator – How Hard is it Blowing?
How hard is it blowing? I once used the phrase “it’s blowing like snot” in the presence of a Chesapeake sailor, who was horrified. He much preferred “blowing like spit.” Bay area sailors will have heard it said that it … Continue reading
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Who Has It Better Than Us Sailors?
I have great affection and respect for the hard-won traditional arts of the sailor. Every modern sailor must still, to this day, master them just like the mariners of yesteryear. This ancient body of knowledge, plus some other aspects of … Continue reading
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Red Right Returning
Sailing into an unfamiliar harbor is fraught with peril for mariners, terrifying if you are seeking shelter from a storm. The entrance to San Francisco Bay is one of the most dangerous on the West Coast. The combination of strong … Continue reading
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Who Has It Better Than Us Sailors?
I have great affection and respect for the hard-won traditional arts of the sailor. Every modern sailor must still, to this day, master them just like the mariners of yesteryear. This ancient body of knowledge, plus other aspects of sailing … Continue reading
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Very Old Salts
After 40,000 sea miles including a circumnavigation, some might picture me as an old salt who loves the sea. It’s a good guess, as I’m for sure old. But I have little affection for the sea. One wants one’s love … Continue reading
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