For the next week or so I shall be visiting Malta, an island
in the Mediterranean with a fascinating history. Everything a visitor to the Island
wants to know about its past can be found in Wikipedia;* however, there are two
things that particularly interest me: the true location of the shipwreck of the
vessel aboard which Paul the Apostle was a prisoner, and information about
Maltese traditional sailing vessels of times gone by.
I have a feeling that I shall not discover much about the
latter; neither shall I be convinced that either of two generally accepted
locations for the shipwreck was actually the place. Googling comes up with
sparse information concerning traditional sailing boats, but there’s more on the subject of where Paul’s ship
may have met her demise. (See links below)
Note
A graphic account of the voyage leading up the shipwreck and
of her end can be found in the Bible, in the Book of Acts, Chapter 27.
Links
*History of Malta
The Shipwreck
Searching for Paul’s Shipwreck on Malta
I've been a follower of your blog for a while now; it's rather unfortunate that I am heading out Monday morning for Germany for a couple of weeks, or I would have offered to take you out sailing on Maya. Let me know if you're in Malta at another time!
ReplyDeleteThat is very kind Richard. I'm coming home on Sunday, 16th Sept.
ReplyDeleteMaybe another time.
Thank you,
Bill.
Let me know. If you see Maya, she's the folkboat tied up next to the big yacht Fusion on the wall between Pieta and Msida Harbor. Pictures of her are here: thelifeemphatic.com. Would be great to know she's doing well, or what you think of her. :)
ReplyDeleteRichard,
ReplyDeleteYes, I in fact saw her 6 times! The first was when I was returning from Valetta to Sliema on the Ferry. I was the grey-haired guy who vigoursly waved to the crew of three as 'Maya' was heading into Msida Harbour.
I subsequently walked from Sliema and back 5 times on the offchance that I might meet someone aboard her.
She was looking good, but one of her fenders had slipped up onto her side deck, and she was held to Fusion by 2 warps, one from the bow and another from the stern.
Seeing Maya was coincidental, because I very nearly bought her on Ebay! Having built a Folksong 25 from a bonded hull and deck I know how good these boats are. I rigged mine as a junk. (Search my blog with the words 'Folksong' or 'Zeta'.)
I shall be posting photos of 'Maya' on my blog.
Cheers,
Bill.
Ha! I remember you, then. I remember waving to the ferry goers, in any event. That's fantastic. I was driving her into the harbor, along with two of my friends from the University, from her mooring up in Mistra Bay. The wind was against us, but it all worked out.
ReplyDeleteNo one aboard her, sadly. I headed off the next day. How would you have tied her up? I don't have a mooring for her - the guy at the RYC said that I could tie her up to Fusion for the month, as the owner is in England and wouldn't mind, and then after I get back we could find a new place for her, hopefully cheap. I hope the slipped fender didn't do any damage - I tied her off to the rack on the top of the cabin roof initially, and the rope broke the wood, so I am going to need to repair that when I get back. Luckily, someone noticed and retied her with the two warps. Learning all of the time.
Maya is a great boat, my first. Zeta looks great, too. You think I'd be able to sail across to the Pacific NW with her? I'm thinking of doing the transatlantic if I go back to the US for my PhD.
Glad you enjoyed Malta. I'll keep reading.
Richard,
ReplyDeleteA yacht is normally secured alongside another or a pontoon by 4 ropes: 2 as you did, and 2 more; the latter are called springs. They prevent the boat from moving fore and aft. This link will explain all:
http://www.btinternet.com/~keith.bater/mooring.pdf
Getting to the Pacific NW would be a big undertaking. If ‘Maya’ is sound and all her gear good, I think she would be capable of achieving the objective via the Panama Canal. Routing and timing is essential for all long distant voyaging to avoid hurricanes and make best use of seasonal winds and currents.
The ability of the skipper and his mental state are of supreme importance. Some pick up the necessary skills and knowledge as they go along. You should research the subject thoroughly by reading accounts of those who have been successful.
Cheers,
Bill.
Hey Bill,
ReplyDeleteAh, thanks for the help regarding the information on mooring. More to learn daily.
That's good to know - that's the route I was planning. I've been researching the right times and asking around. And I've read many accounts of transatlantic and round-the-world voyages - barring my interminable seasickness, I think it would be possible for me. We'll see how my life plan goes, first!
Thanks again. Loved the post on Maya!
Best,
R
Richard,
ReplyDeleteRemember that Francis Chichester was a sufferer of seasickness too!!
I shall be watching your blog.
Thank you for it. Take care.
Cheers,
Bill.