This week:
Well – Labor Day holiday behind us, we respectfully mark the end of the summer season… and yes, I know how that makes South Texans chortle quietly. I have dutifully put away my seersucker suit and white trousers for another year.
So – kids back to school, tourists mostly at bay – prepare to buckle down and get some sail training done. I would swear I nearly felt a little cool dry air over the weekend. (heck, the high next Sat. is barely touching 90F… get out your thermals…)
Seamanship Training Class V will be this Saturday 11 September and will cover: Sail Handling Maneuvers, Loosing and Furling, Setting and Dousing, Fire Fighting, Knots, and all Maintenance – which is to say Chapter Sections: 10.1-2,8,9,11,4.4-6. Be prepared, I shall be singling anyone out for public questioning who looks like he hasn’t done the reading… just like my Machiavellian physiology professor used to. He could make a medical student squirm with the best of ‘em.
This is the weekend of the Rebirth Revival Race (10k, 5k, 1k)which starts bright and early (8am) on Saturday morning. Parking may be a little more snug than usual. Getting down here before they do would be a tall order, but you might consider carpooling to decrease your parking footprint (and your carbon footprint while you’re at it). I suggest you pick someone who’s willing to drop you off at the gate… www.galvestonhistory.org/Galveston_Rebirth_Race_Info.asp
It’s also about time to be getting serious about your kit – a knife, spike, training manual and a good pet rope are things every student ought to have. I’m happy to consult with you on any or all of those things if you need my completely unbiased and brilliantly argued opinion. (see more below) You could also consult your crewmates…
Things to be Thinking About:
Next Friday 17 September the Boy Scouts descend upon us, and Christine could use a fearless leader and some general rabble to help. Please sign up on the wall Saturday (or email her). You will need your background check complete before the event. Thanks!
The Downtown Lofts Tour is coming up October 2nd and 3rd, and the Historic Downtown Strand Seaport Partnership http://www.downtowngalveston.org is looking for volunteer docents. The shifts are 10–12, 12-2 and 2-5 both days of the tour. The dress is Island Casual and there are no scripts! Most lofts need 2 loft “chaperones” and 1 ticket taker. As always, volunteers get free tickets. Let Judy (judyglaister@yahoo.com) know if you’re keen.
Stuff and Such:
The new “Elissa Sweat Shirts” (T-shirts) are well and truly in. I suspect that if you didn’t pick yours up that it’s been sold, but you can always enquire in the gift shop.
Myerchin knives will shortly be available in the gift shop. There will be a limited number in this order and we’re not taking reservations, so come early if you want one.
An order of the very practical J. Adams Ltd. (Sheffield) rigging knives and 2&3 piece “yachtsman’s sets” kits arrived today and are available now.
All of the above blades are in stainless – if you prefer a more traditional and utilitarian carbon steel blade I’d be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
John has also ordered some very nice quality leather for those of you inclined to make your own knife sheaths. A 10”x12” square can be purchased from the gift shop for less than $15. It’s ideal if you intend to make your own knife/spike - or if you just don’t care for the underwhelming little cordura sheath that comes with those resplendent Japanese rigging knives mentioned above. I’m sure we can match you to an expert for tutelage in leatherwork if you’re new to the craft.
While I’m thinking about that, we have not yet set up a way to sell you pet ropes – but I suppose we could consider it. For those without one – and with even a modicum of enthusiasm - I recommend popping into your local hardware store and getting at least 4 feet of something half inch or larger in diameter. I honestly like a soft, modern, synthetic double-braid for knot practice – at least until you get the hang of them. It wears well, ties easily, launders nicely and doesn’t give you splinters. You can go all out and get a second piece of thinner rope for practicing your sheet bend (becket bend)if you really want to…
Remember that any and everyone can join us for geezer Tuesday. I am an equal opportunity taskmaster. Many fun things get done on the weekdays when we are unencumbered by sail training (and frequently by the thought process…) Monday evenings are good for the same reason, but do let me know you’re coming then please.
October will bring yet another birthday for the ol’ gal, so be thinking about Gifts for Elissa. We are putting together a wish list, and we’ll try to make sure there are items for every level of participation.
The Elissa Drydock campaign is under full steam, so if you’re wondering what else you can do, pop over to http://www.galvestonhistory.org/Elissa-donate.asp and think about pitching in. We’re heading to shipyard in January and all support is greatly appreciated.
Is that everything? Wow. And you thought I’d never pack it in. See you at the weekend.
Charlie Wright
Waterfront Manager
(409) 763-1877
www.tsm-elissa.org
A Project of Galveston Historical Foundation
