Dockside with the Atlantas

I went down to San Pedro today to check out the Atlantas. She's a 48 foot bluenose schooner, and she's a very pretty vessel. Interestingly enough, the captain has a shadow-box aboard with an actual piece of oak and a deck spike from the HMS Victory, Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson's flagship when he defeated Napoleon's forces at the pivotal battle of Trafalgar. It's one of 93 released. Amazing.

Anyway, we boarded Atlantas for a quick dry run. I figured out running backstays, which are necessary on this vessel because of the extra sail in front on the bowsprit. It's got both a forejib and jumbo jib. I also checked out the ketch "Ashika," which is the boat I want when I get enough money to have one. Unbelievable.