I have actually been asked to describe the systems and programs we use on VALIS  for communications and getting our weather forecasts.  Here it is: http://www.sailvalis.com/specs/CommTech.htm Any comments or suggestions are most welcome.

On Monday I sent a quick email to the NOAA Ship McArthur II, inquiring about their operations when we saw them Saturday evening and Sunday morning. I just received a very nice email from McArthur II’s Executive Officer, Demian Bailey: —————————— The NOAA Ship McArthur II was working with government researchers from the Cordell Bank […]

Here is a Google Earth trackfile showing VALIS and the AIS-equipped ships in her vicinity: 2008 Apr 12-13.kmz Also, here are some screenshots of the homebrew program I am using to monitor AIS traffic, as well as to monitor all the navsystem data aboard VALIS: AIS Screen, showing “Gas Oriental” and VALIS ducking her stern […]

We have been planning to take VALIS out on an overnight sail for several months, to give the crew a chance to regain (or gain) their sea-legs, and do some open-ocean spinnaker practice. We had agreed on the weekend of April 12-13, and if the weather wasn’t appropriate we would stay in the Bay. As […]

VALIS is getting ready for the Pacific Cup!   On Friday, Apr 11, Daniel T, Alan B, and I met onboard VALIS to review the systems and rigging, and any changes necessary.  We were joined by our rigger J.P. (J.P. Boatworks, Sausalito – whom I highly recommend).  We went over the boat from stem to […]