BilgeRacc
@bilgeracc.bsky.social
Sentient mariner raccoon that got his hands on internet access. For a cookie or two I'll leave the bilges to talk about ships or nautical history.
I'd be a poor maritime account if I did not acknowledge the significance of today.
It's the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.
I'm currently on a hitch so I can't drink, but if you can, toast one to the 29 men that didn't make it home that night.
Here's to you, gents.
It's the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.
I'm currently on a hitch so I can't drink, but if you can, toast one to the 29 men that didn't make it home that night.
Here's to you, gents.
November 10, 2025 at 6:35 PM
I'd be a poor maritime account if I did not acknowledge the significance of today.
It's the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.
I'm currently on a hitch so I can't drink, but if you can, toast one to the 29 men that didn't make it home that night.
Here's to you, gents.
It's the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.
I'm currently on a hitch so I can't drink, but if you can, toast one to the 29 men that didn't make it home that night.
Here's to you, gents.
Close enough, welcome back Age of Sail. 😭
Jokes aside the Neoliner Origin seems a really cool vessel, even if it's a ro-ro. I dunno if it will be effective but it's nice to see an attempt to be environmentally conscious. Plus she looks pretty. Not paying $7000 for a passenger ticket tho.
Jokes aside the Neoliner Origin seems a really cool vessel, even if it's a ro-ro. I dunno if it will be effective but it's nice to see an attempt to be environmentally conscious. Plus she looks pretty. Not paying $7000 for a passenger ticket tho.
October 31, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Close enough, welcome back Age of Sail. 😭
Jokes aside the Neoliner Origin seems a really cool vessel, even if it's a ro-ro. I dunno if it will be effective but it's nice to see an attempt to be environmentally conscious. Plus she looks pretty. Not paying $7000 for a passenger ticket tho.
Jokes aside the Neoliner Origin seems a really cool vessel, even if it's a ro-ro. I dunno if it will be effective but it's nice to see an attempt to be environmentally conscious. Plus she looks pretty. Not paying $7000 for a passenger ticket tho.
Having suffered damage to the hull, she started taking on water and listed over to her port side, then promptly sank. This is what remains of her, after over 30 years of being a victim to water and sun and neglect. Much of her superstructure is gone, but the hull mostly still intact surprisingly.
October 21, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Having suffered damage to the hull, she started taking on water and listed over to her port side, then promptly sank. This is what remains of her, after over 30 years of being a victim to water and sun and neglect. Much of her superstructure is gone, but the hull mostly still intact surprisingly.
She was stricken from the record in 1967, being sold to Missouri to be kept as a floating museum from 1968 onwards. Being only one of two remaining wartime vessels of her class, she was a popular attraction, even being designated a Historic Landmark. For 25 years she remained moored by the Arch.
October 21, 2025 at 7:06 PM
She was stricken from the record in 1967, being sold to Missouri to be kept as a floating museum from 1968 onwards. Being only one of two remaining wartime vessels of her class, she was a popular attraction, even being designated a Historic Landmark. For 25 years she remained moored by the Arch.
The USS Inaugural (AM-242) lnaugural was an Admirable-class minesweeper from WW2, the largest class the USN had during the war. She was commissioned in December of 1944, putting her in perfect time to participate in the end of the Pacific theater.
October 21, 2025 at 7:06 PM
The USS Inaugural (AM-242) lnaugural was an Admirable-class minesweeper from WW2, the largest class the USN had during the war. She was commissioned in December of 1944, putting her in perfect time to participate in the end of the Pacific theater.
She has 5 decks, with an onboard gym and putting course up on the promenade. Her length is about 300 feet (90m), a beam of 52 feet (16m), and had a top speed of 12 knots (though her onboard odometer likely just measures this in MPH because knots aren't usually used on the river.
October 8, 2025 at 8:03 AM
She has 5 decks, with an onboard gym and putting course up on the promenade. Her length is about 300 feet (90m), a beam of 52 feet (16m), and had a top speed of 12 knots (though her onboard odometer likely just measures this in MPH because knots aren't usually used on the river.
She's owned by American Cruise Lines (ACL) to provide river excursions coming from her home port of New Orleans, all the way up to St. Paul, Minnesota. She can carry and entertain 150 guests, all with staterooms facing out to the water and the majority having private balconies.
October 8, 2025 at 8:03 AM
She's owned by American Cruise Lines (ACL) to provide river excursions coming from her home port of New Orleans, all the way up to St. Paul, Minnesota. She can carry and entertain 150 guests, all with staterooms facing out to the water and the majority having private balconies.
Been awhile! Decided to show off a boat I saw swinging by the levee. Here's the scuttlebutt on her.
The *American Heritage*, originally named the *Queen of the Mississippi* is a paddlewheel river cruise boat that entered service in 2015, so she's pretty new.
The *American Heritage*, originally named the *Queen of the Mississippi* is a paddlewheel river cruise boat that entered service in 2015, so she's pretty new.
October 8, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Been awhile! Decided to show off a boat I saw swinging by the levee. Here's the scuttlebutt on her.
The *American Heritage*, originally named the *Queen of the Mississippi* is a paddlewheel river cruise boat that entered service in 2015, so she's pretty new.
The *American Heritage*, originally named the *Queen of the Mississippi* is a paddlewheel river cruise boat that entered service in 2015, so she's pretty new.
I realize I should probably show my raccoon
September 25, 2025 at 11:54 AM
I realize I should probably show my raccoon
More news. Also somber.
Work has begun on breaking down the SS United States for sinking. As of yesterday, they have started to remove her funnels, one of which will be preserved in a museum for the ship situated in Florida.
Hurts to see her go. To really see it.
Work has begun on breaking down the SS United States for sinking. As of yesterday, they have started to remove her funnels, one of which will be preserved in a museum for the ship situated in Florida.
Hurts to see her go. To really see it.
August 7, 2025 at 2:55 AM
More news. Also somber.
Work has begun on breaking down the SS United States for sinking. As of yesterday, they have started to remove her funnels, one of which will be preserved in a museum for the ship situated in Florida.
Hurts to see her go. To really see it.
Work has begun on breaking down the SS United States for sinking. As of yesterday, they have started to remove her funnels, one of which will be preserved in a museum for the ship situated in Florida.
Hurts to see her go. To really see it.
It is such a silly amalgamation of gears and crossbeams and pins that has a truly undeniable charm and ingenuity to it. His H2 is even more nonsensical yet equally as alluring to look at.
July 30, 2025 at 3:04 PM
It is such a silly amalgamation of gears and crossbeams and pins that has a truly undeniable charm and ingenuity to it. His H2 is even more nonsensical yet equally as alluring to look at.
I'm supposed to be sleeping but I recently started a new book ("The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder" by David Grann) and in my reading I was led to musing about marine chronometers.
Like look at the jump from the first major iteration by John Harrison to his last (1735 to 1772).
Like look at the jump from the first major iteration by John Harrison to his last (1735 to 1772).
July 30, 2025 at 2:54 PM
I'm supposed to be sleeping but I recently started a new book ("The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder" by David Grann) and in my reading I was led to musing about marine chronometers.
Like look at the jump from the first major iteration by John Harrison to his last (1735 to 1772).
Like look at the jump from the first major iteration by John Harrison to his last (1735 to 1772).
Notable among these passengers that disembarked were two photographers by the name of Francis Browne and Kate Odell. Both were responsible for taking some of the very last photographs we have the vessel before she sank, with Odell's being the very last known photo taken of her. Both are below.
April 12, 2025 at 5:24 AM
Notable among these passengers that disembarked were two photographers by the name of Francis Browne and Kate Odell. Both were responsible for taking some of the very last photographs we have the vessel before she sank, with Odell's being the very last known photo taken of her. Both are below.
About a day late but such is the way for my work!
Morning rises and passes on the 11th, with Titanic pulling into Cork Harbour, Queenstown, close to noon. Much like Cherbourg, they can't dock the large ship and resort to tenders. Here 123 passengers would board, and 7 would depart.
Morning rises and passes on the 11th, with Titanic pulling into Cork Harbour, Queenstown, close to noon. Much like Cherbourg, they can't dock the large ship and resort to tenders. Here 123 passengers would board, and 7 would depart.
April 12, 2025 at 5:24 AM
About a day late but such is the way for my work!
Morning rises and passes on the 11th, with Titanic pulling into Cork Harbour, Queenstown, close to noon. Much like Cherbourg, they can't dock the large ship and resort to tenders. Here 123 passengers would board, and 7 would depart.
Morning rises and passes on the 11th, with Titanic pulling into Cork Harbour, Queenstown, close to noon. Much like Cherbourg, they can't dock the large ship and resort to tenders. Here 123 passengers would board, and 7 would depart.
From there Titanic would make way for Cherbourg, a French port, some 77 nmi away. Here tenders would ferry passengers to and from ship and port, bringing some 274 passengers to the ship, and taking 24 back ashore. One of these tenders, SS Nomadic, is the only remaining White Star Line vessel left.
April 10, 2025 at 7:32 PM
From there Titanic would make way for Cherbourg, a French port, some 77 nmi away. Here tenders would ferry passengers to and from ship and port, bringing some 274 passengers to the ship, and taking 24 back ashore. One of these tenders, SS Nomadic, is the only remaining White Star Line vessel left.
This send off was not painless; a near collision with another vessel, the New York, was stopped just in time by the quick thinking of a tugboat and Captain Smith calling all engines full astern, avoiding damage and delay by 4 feet. An ill omen of what was to come, say the superstitious sailor.
April 10, 2025 at 7:32 PM
This send off was not painless; a near collision with another vessel, the New York, was stopped just in time by the quick thinking of a tugboat and Captain Smith calling all engines full astern, avoiding damage and delay by 4 feet. An ill omen of what was to come, say the superstitious sailor.
Around noon today, BST, on April 10th the RMS Titanic would leave her port in Southampton to begin what would be her very first, and last, voyage. With 699 crew and 920 passengers, she would cast her moorings to sail off on a windy day, unaware of the grim fate that would soon befall her.
April 10, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Around noon today, BST, on April 10th the RMS Titanic would leave her port in Southampton to begin what would be her very first, and last, voyage. With 699 crew and 920 passengers, she would cast her moorings to sail off on a windy day, unaware of the grim fate that would soon befall her.
The canoe was likely used as a fishing vessel, along the Komadugu Gana River, and possibly in Lake Chad, which was likely much larger in the past, thus providing more use to the peoples there. This is unsurprising, as the livelihood of villages in this time relied upon passed down traditions/trades.
February 26, 2025 at 8:50 AM
The canoe was likely used as a fishing vessel, along the Komadugu Gana River, and possibly in Lake Chad, which was likely much larger in the past, thus providing more use to the peoples there. This is unsurprising, as the livelihood of villages in this time relied upon passed down traditions/trades.
Excavation took place in 1994 by the two teams and took about two weeks. She rested in a deposit of sand and clay, some nearly 15 feet down. This environment, being rather anoxic, preserved her quite well. Examination of the vessel found she had been finely sculpted with lithic tools.
February 26, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Excavation took place in 1994 by the two teams and took about two weeks. She rested in a deposit of sand and clay, some nearly 15 feet down. This environment, being rather anoxic, preserved her quite well. Examination of the vessel found she had been finely sculpted with lithic tools.
Starting off early and strong, we have the second oldest boat still preserved: The Dufuna Canoe! Found close to the village of Dufuna, present day Nigeria, she is radiocarbon dated to be about 8000 to 8500 years old. Found by a Fulani herdsman in 1987, she offers key insight into the peoples there.
February 26, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Starting off early and strong, we have the second oldest boat still preserved: The Dufuna Canoe! Found close to the village of Dufuna, present day Nigeria, she is radiocarbon dated to be about 8000 to 8500 years old. Found by a Fulani herdsman in 1987, she offers key insight into the peoples there.
As of two days ago, the SS United States has been towed from her port in PA to begin her journey of being taken to Mobile, Alabama where she will be sunk in the Florida Gulf to become an artificial reef.
The United States was at one point the fastest liner in the world. Sad to see this be her fate
The United States was at one point the fastest liner in the world. Sad to see this be her fate
February 21, 2025 at 10:13 AM
As of two days ago, the SS United States has been towed from her port in PA to begin her journey of being taken to Mobile, Alabama where she will be sunk in the Florida Gulf to become an artificial reef.
The United States was at one point the fastest liner in the world. Sad to see this be her fate
The United States was at one point the fastest liner in the world. Sad to see this be her fate
Jones would receive the title of Chevalier from Louis XVI, and further accolades later from the US government for his heroic actions. On the other side of the pond, Brits see him as little more than a lowly pirate with no loyalty to his home kingdom. His later years would be highly controversial.
February 4, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Jones would receive the title of Chevalier from Louis XVI, and further accolades later from the US government for his heroic actions. On the other side of the pond, Brits see him as little more than a lowly pirate with no loyalty to his home kingdom. His later years would be highly controversial.
Alliance soon returned to the fray, the Countess surrendered, and fired another broadside that did equal damage to both locked-together ships. Heavily damaged, unable to move, the captain of the Serapis surrendered, and Jones took command of her. A day and a half later, the Bonhomme burned and sank.
February 4, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Alliance soon returned to the fray, the Countess surrendered, and fired another broadside that did equal damage to both locked-together ships. Heavily damaged, unable to move, the captain of the Serapis surrendered, and Jones took command of her. A day and a half later, the Bonhomme burned and sank.
Of the coast of Flamborough Head, two ships would interpose themselves between Jones and the merchants: British frigate HMS Serapis, and with them a hired vessel called the Countess of Scarborough. The merchants now away, Jones engaged the Brits. The Battle of Flamborough Head then commences!
February 4, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Of the coast of Flamborough Head, two ships would interpose themselves between Jones and the merchants: British frigate HMS Serapis, and with them a hired vessel called the Countess of Scarborough. The merchants now away, Jones engaged the Brits. The Battle of Flamborough Head then commences!
First focus will be on her commander: John Paul Jones
What a polarizing figure he was! He was born in Scotland in July of 1747, and soon found himself answering the call of the sea at the plucky age of 13. From here he served on British merchant ships, including slave vessels, which he despised.
What a polarizing figure he was! He was born in Scotland in July of 1747, and soon found himself answering the call of the sea at the plucky age of 13. From here he served on British merchant ships, including slave vessels, which he despised.
February 4, 2025 at 6:07 PM
First focus will be on her commander: John Paul Jones
What a polarizing figure he was! He was born in Scotland in July of 1747, and soon found himself answering the call of the sea at the plucky age of 13. From here he served on British merchant ships, including slave vessels, which he despised.
What a polarizing figure he was! He was born in Scotland in July of 1747, and soon found himself answering the call of the sea at the plucky age of 13. From here he served on British merchant ships, including slave vessels, which he despised.