SeaQuin IV on a late summer cruise
My brother Paul and I bought "SeaQuin IV" a 1974 Catalina 27 sailboat in the summer of 1994. A great little boat she's well used and well loved. We named her "SeaQuin IV" after the first "sabot" dinghy our dad built in the 60's.
I am posting some sailing pictures for your enjoyment. I hope to publish more of racing and cruising in our beautiful waters.
We have been slowly refitting SeaQuin IV and lately have a new suite of sails, and a couple of toys like GPS. She's in pretty good condition for an old girl. But anyone who has owned a Catalina will know that they are good boats. Please feel free to visit the CFSA web site . It has some great information on our club and its activities. Ours is a small club with almost 400 members located in Esquimalt Harbour just to the west of Victoria Harbour. It is a beautiful spot that offers wonderful year round sailing. If you ever come up our way and feel like mooring in an area not quite so hectic as downtown Victoria, give us a call.
Start line during Tasar World Championships
held at CFSA in June 2003
You you will find a recent photo of the "Booth" design high aspect rudder that has been installed on many Catalina 27's as a replacement rudder, it is longer and narrower than the original Catalina design. A picture is worth a thousand words. There is still some discussion on whether or not this change will allow your boat to qualify for "One Design" races, but it will definitely help with weather helm over the original design. Our CFSA club handicapper states it should not change your PHRF rating--unless it demonstrates a significant change in your racing results.
Interested in discussing all things about sailing in the Pacific Northwest?
Consider joining our "Cascadia" email list. An interesting group of sailors from all over the PWN and even those who just wish they lived here. Our web site is: http://sailcascadia.org/.
Simply follow the instructions on the top of the page.
We are an active group so be prepared to meet some great people.
SeaQuin IV Crew after a winter race, Dec. 2007
SeaQuin IV and an attentive crew
off the Esquimalt waterfront
on a winter day.
Compromise's crew finishes picture perfect in a spring 2003 race at CFSA
This poem I found recently in a book by Ursula Jupp (entitled "Home Port Victoria, published in 1967) I found rather nice. Of the poet Daniel Whitehead Hickey, I know nothing, other than he must have loved old ships. Those of you out there that understand should enjoy this poem.
"Say that he Loved Old Ships"Say that he loved old ships; write nothing more
Upon the stone above his resting place;
and they who read will know he loved the roar
Of breakers white as starlight, shadow lace
Of purple twilights on a quiet sea,
First ridge of daybreak in a waiting sky,
The wings of gulls that beat eternally
An haunt old harbours with their silver cry,
Speak softly now, his heart has earned its rest,
This heart that knew each alien star by name,
Knew passion of the waves against the breast
When clouds swept down the sea and lightning's flame
Tore skies asunder with swift finger tiips;
Write nothing more; say that "he loved old ships".
Victoria waterfrontlooking towards Mount Baker, circa 1918