Nautical Lore – Modern | Oral narratives of modern seafaring watercraft with multihull pioneer Jim Brown

In this caper, Jim shares the story of his summer 2019 ride on one of his “cattlemarans” in the Caribbean. Jim sails along on a big catamaran with his entrepreneur-boatbuilder-sailor friend Doug Jane to deliver the boat to a customer. Lots of fun and challenges on this trip … with a little insight into the boat chartering business.

THE FLEDGLING EAGLE In this 34-minute podcast, the listener is plunged into a detailed description of EAGLE, a 53’ catamaran designed by Paul Beiker and just launched by Fast Forward Composites of Bristol RI. The backstory of the EAGLE’s conception is told, and some key details of this bellwether boat are described in depth: Her configuration and structure, her Hybrid Wing rig, her two kinds of hydrofoils, her Control Nacelle and her Carapace. Jim’s purpose is to come as close as possible – in the spring of 2019 – to the leading edge of modern multihull development, and to reveal the machinations required of the designer and builder attempting to advance multihull technology in the current era. The boat’s performance emphasis is juxtaposed with her practicality. This podcast is illustrated in a companion 17-minute video on OutRigMedia.com, with Jim’s voice-over narrated captions to photos.

WHAT'S HAPPENING? TOO MUCH! This Caper tells of many Capers -- Too many to permit our weekly schedule from continuing right now, but enough to bring you a new Caper now and then. My Podcast is not going away, and after all, there are over 80 of them posted and accessible any time. But current involvements, as brought on part by the Podcast, make it necessary to break from the weekly schedule.   I hold you listeners in high regard, and thank you for your participation. Please note that Jim Brown's OuRrig Capercast is not going away, and you will receive a brief email from us (if you're signed up to receive our emails) whenever a new one is posted. Thanks for listening, and FAIR WINDS!

FINE PHILOSOPHICAL FILANDERING Part Three of this flirtation between monohull and multihull, this Caper continues the conversation between Havilah Hawkins, Larry Fortunoff and me aboard the classic sloop VELA.​ Revealed are the levels of commitment, persistence and conviction that are inter-layered with the design, construction and operation of any significant sailing vessel of any type. Here's how you can actually come aboard.

UNMARKED FORK IN A DESERT TRAIL Talking again with Havilah Hawkins Jr. aboard his monumental gaff sloop VELA, we approach the subject of parting with one's boat of many years. We then revert to all the things he has done with those many years of vessel stewardship, and inevitably return to ending that era of one's life. "Haddie" has a lot to say about it, with an eye to his next boat, a "creek crawler." With use and years, it, too, will come alive.