Bill
09/05/2009, East Greenwich, RI

We have added an AIS transponder to CEILI's electronics system. We chose the SIMRAD AI50 stand alone system (see blog post of 7/24/09 for a detailed discussion of Class B AIS).

The unit is mounted at the helm for maximum utility, and the installation was fairly straightforward. Instead of using an antenna splitter connected to the boat's masthead VHF antenna, we chose to mount a specially tuned 4' VHF antenna from Digital Antenna on the stern rail. This allows for good range and gives us the flexibility of a backup should the masthead antenna become disabled.

We have been able to receive transmissions from Class A vessels reliably at a range of 12 miles, sometimes further. Our transmissions have been received by other stations at a range of 6-8 miles.

The SIMRAD unit has many features, including a guard zone and a visual/tabular display of all AIS vessels in range. Since it incorporates its own separate GPS receiver and coastal mapping with Navaids, it can be used as a temporary navigation backup in case of a chartplotter failure.

Since it operates mostly in receive mode, transmitting data only every 30 seconds or so, it is miserly on power and draws less than 1 amp.

Comments [0]

Bill
08/02/2009, Jamestown

Atlantide Berthed at Jamestown, RI

This weekend, we moored in Dutch Harbor, Jamestown. We walked into Jamestown to catch the ferry to Newport, and spotted the Atlantide, a restored 122 ft. motoryacht.


Stern of Alantide

This beautiful vessel was constructed in 1930 in Dartmouth, MA. Known then as Caleta, it was built for Sir William Burton, and was used as a support vessel for his many sail racing endeavors.


Portside


Atlantide's Oppulent Salon


In 1939, Caleta was commandeered by the British Royal Navy, and in 1940 it took part in the evacuation of allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk.


Plaque commemorating the Dunkirk Evacuation


Alantide now flies the Flag of Malta

After passing though several owners, this yacht was reconstructed in 1999, and was renamed Atlantide. Atlantide has a beam of 18 feet, a draft of 7 feet, a steel hull with teak superstructure, and is powered by twin 24 liter Gardner 8L3B 8 cylinder engines, each producing 230 horsepower.

For more on the Atlantide's role in the rescue of Dunkirk, check out "Dunkirk's Heroes Return" in the Links.

Comments [0]

Bill
07/28/2009, Providence

Boats Ablaze In Sydney Australia

Click on Sydney Boats Ablaze in the Links for additional dramatic photos from the Sydney Australia Herald

Comments [1]