The previous header photo was of a Cotuit Skiff, a vintage design, circa 1906, that is raced in great numbers on Cotuit Bay, on the South Shore of Cape Cod. A jumbo low-slung, gaff-rigged cat sail powers this 14 foot flat bottomed craft, as is shown by the juniors in this photo desperately hiking her down. If one was closely inspecting the photo, one could wonder what happened to the skippers aft, steering arm. It has completely disappeared. Well this fellow is using both hands on the sheet and steering with his foot. The Cotuit Skiff doesn't allow tiller extensions! I suppose this is something the young and fit would do; any attempt on my part to sail a small boat, steering with my feet while hiking out, would inevitably result in a capsize.
The Cotuit Mosquito Yacht Club was formed around the Cotuit Skiff early on as a junior club. No member could be older than 25 or married. Today the club remains though there is the "Association of the Cotuit Mosquito Club" to allow the parents and older citizens to be involved. Indeed the Cotuit skiff is raced by all ages.
Some other pics:
I like your new header photo.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing that this photo was from around 1960. I think that's Kenn Claus sailing theTitan design Moth, MISS AMERICA, Nr 1608, which must have been very new at that time. And that looks like a much younger George A of the Mid-Atlantic Musings blog in his trusty old Ventnor, Nr 774 (but for some reason he's using a sail from his other Ventnor, 764.)
Yes I have been known to poach photos from fellow bloggers (though I have refrained from using your body-painted Pittsburgh Steeler fan picture - as much as I have admired it). I did plan to attribute George's photo and post when this header photo runs it course. It comes from his post about the early days at Brigantine YC. I do have the Titan on my mind as a later post will show.
ReplyDeleteDamn, Tillerman. You remember more about me that I do!
ReplyDeleteYes George, doesn't memory play strange tricks? Wasn't that the year you first raced in a large invitational regatta?
ReplyDeleteIndeed it was. The year was 1960.
ReplyDeleteLooks like to me that Kenn was above you in the pecking order. You are looking back at him and already visualizing how he is going to pass you.
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