Costa Mesa: A Silicon Valley Parallel

The year 1973 marked the zenith of Southern California’s boat building industry, with Costa Mesa standing as the unquestioned epicenter of fiberglass sailboat production. This maritime manufacturing powerhouse, with its tight concentration of innovative companies, specialized workforce, and entrepreneurial spirit, mirrored what would later become the defining characteristics of Silicon Valley’s technology ecosystem. Both represented…

Centerboard Slot, Gybing board, Forward Rudder and Canard

The nature of  the Murrelet centerboard is not well understood. MacGregor Yachts states in the cruiser’s brochure that A long, thin airfoil is far more efficient than a short, wide one. This is why racing sailboat keels are deep, and why sailplane wings are long and thin. The relationship between the fore and aft width of the board…

Costa Mesa, From Building Boats to Building Yacht Clubs

Costa Mesa’s boat building heritage continues to hold cultural significance even as the manufacturing base has largely disappeared. The description of Costa Mesa as remaining “a Mecca for boat owners” despite having lost most of its boat builders suggests that the industry created a lasting cultural impact beyond its economic presence.

This legacy lives on through the sailors who still enjoy vessels produced during that era, the yacht clubs that continue to promote sailing traditions, and the community’s recognition of Costa Mesa’s historical importance to recreational boating in Southern California.

Jamestown New York and Chautauqua Yacht Club

Topics related to Jamestown, New York, and the nearby Chautauqua Institution include:
1. Chautauqua Institution:
* A historic center for education, culture, and recreation
* Hosts summer lecture series featuring prominent speakers
* Home to the Athenaeum Hotel, a Victorian-era establishment
* Offers various activities including boating, arts, and religious programs
2. Jamestown Attractions:
* National Comedy Center
* Lucille Ball-related sites and her burial place at Lake View Cemetery
* Roger Tory Peterson Institute, dedicated to the renowned naturalist
3. Boating and Recreation:
* Chautauqua Lake offers various water activities
* Chautauqua Sports Club provides boat rentals and other recreational facilities
* Chautauqua Yacht Club hosts sailing events and social gatherings
4. Historical and Cultural Aspects:
* Jamestown’s history in furniture manufacturing, particularly Swedish-designed furniture
* The role of railroads in the city’s industrial development
* The city’s connection to famous figures like Lucille Ball and Roger Tory Peterson
5. Nature and Wildlife:
* Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge for birding and nature observation
* Roger Tory Peterson’s influence on birdwatching and nature studies
6. Educational Programs:
* Chautauqua Institution’s diverse lecture series and cultural programs
* Educational opportunities in various fields including arts, science, and religion
The rich cultural, historical, and recreational offerings of Jamestown and the Chautauqua area, appeal to a wide range of interests from engineering and architecture to wildlife and religious studies.

Trump, US Coast Guard, Seattle & Admiral Linda L. Fagan

The reality is that Fagan’s firing has nothing to do with bolstering national security. Just the opposite. It is part of a regressive social agenda to put women back in their place, misogyny being the glue that holds together the many racist, anti-immigration, LGBTQ+ and other hate groups that have been unleashed in America. Firing…

Yacht Design Future

There are several boat designs that can be expected as the move away from fossil fuels continues. These include: In summary, boat designs that can be expected given the move away from fossil fuels include solar-powered boats, hydrogen fuel cell technology, methanol and other fossil-fuel alternatives, wind-assisted propulsion, fuel cell propulsion, non-fossil paraffinic fuels and…

Venice Italy

Venice, Italy is a captivating city that offers a unique blend of history, art, culture, and stunning architecture, making it an ideal destination for a week-long stay. Here’s why you should consider spending a week in Venice and what you can expect to experience: Attractions and Activities Venice boasts numerous attractions that make it worth…

The Ring Cycle Operas

In Seattle’s halls, where Wagner once did reign, Frank and Lisa yearned for Ring’s refrain. From Rheingold’s depths to Walküre’s might,
Siegfried’s tale and Götterdämmerung’s light.

To Neuschwanstein they journeyed far, Where Ludwig’s dream touched every star. Wotan’s wisdom, Fricka’s grace, In stone and paint, each found its place.

Donner’s thunder, Freia’s youth, Loge’s cunning, Erda’s truth. Through arches round and towers high, Wagner’s world did touch the sky. In halls where Parsifal once sung, And Lohengrin’s sweet tale was spun, Our couple walked, their hearts aflame, With Ring’s grand vision all the same.

Now back in Seattle, hope burns bright, That opera’s stage will soon ignite. With sets as grand
as Ludwig’s dream, May Wagner’s Ring once more gleam. In this decade, let it be, The cycle whole for all to see. From Neuschwanstein’s lofty height,
To Seattle’s stage, Ring’s pure delight.

Ronda and Old Ronda

In ancient days, where mountains rise, Ronda stood beneath the skies. Romans came with roads and might, Built their bridges, strong and bright.

Through the ages, Ronda grew, Moorish arches, a stunning view. Minarets and gardens green, Echoes of a time serene.

Napoleon’s troops once marched through, In the hills, resistance grew. Bandits roamed, with hearts so bold, Stories of their deeds retold.

Hemingway, with pen in hand, Wrote of Ronda’s rugged land. Bullfights fierce, and tales of war, In his words, the town’s folklore.

Now a gem of history, Ronda’s charm for all to see. UNESCO’s list, a rightful place, A heritage of timeless grace.

Cortona, Tuscany

Cortona, perched on Tuscan hills so high, A gateway to wonders that catch the eye. From here, Florence beckons with art divine, Where Leonardo’s genius continues to shine.

Saint Francis walked these lands of old, His spirit in Le Celle’s stones still bold. Vineyards stretch as far as one can see, Sangiovese grapes, Tuscany’s legacy.

Chianti, Brunello, and wines so fine, Super Tuscans that make connoisseurs opine. From Cortona’s heights, one can explore, The Renaissance treasures and so much more.

Art and faith, history and taste, In this Tuscan base, nothing goes to waste. A journey through time, culture, and land, With Cortona as your guiding hand.