TOPIC: Tall Ships

Jumped in the Pull Toy this evening and cruised into Green Bay to see the Tall Ships. Passed up a few of them under sail in the bay taking passengers on a short run and the rest were in port along with a GIANT rubber duckie

Very cool Cal!

Bob

Thanks Cal,

Did you happen to see a big Dragon slithering through the bay?

ACBS Blackhawk’s were invited to display our classic boats at Navy Pier for the Tall Ships Chicago event last weekend.

Tall Ships Parade of Sails

Had a primo location to park Mama Mia! out on Chicago’s lake front jewel, Lake Michigan.

Of particular interest to me was the Viking Ship ‘Draken Harald Hårfagre’. It sailed from Norway across the North Atlantic and onto the Great Lakes.

I had been anticipating their arrival and to see finally the awesome Dragon up close was thrilling.


I went down to see the Draken early Thursday morning and met Captain Bjorn and Woody and Sarah.

Erick and ships engineer, Christian. I had to ask how is the Viking long ship is powered? Of course mainly by sail and then oars. But she also has diesel power and I woulda bet 10 to 1 it would be Volvo Penta, but nope, John Deere twin screws.

Karolina and all of the Draken crew were very extremely friendly and welcoming.

My friend Kate took some great pictures down there and wanted I wanted to share this too.
See more:
www.flickr.com/photos/21860123@N02/sets/72157671774850605

El Galeon Andalucia

Way to go with Mama Mia and the rest of the Club's classic boats displayed and thank you for all of your photos and commentary.

Terry, I didn't go ashore, just cruised and enjoyed the day. The dragon was there using it's sail as a sunbrella.
You have better pictures than I got.

Thanks All,

Blackhawk member Paul Miller previewed his 1947 Christiansen Aqua-Air Car at Navy Pier. This thing got as much attention as the Viking Ship. Some thought it was a submarine and I can see that.









A work in progress, Paul hopes to have it complete and in the water for the Geneva Lakes Show next month.

Terry

Very interesting design. What is it powered by?

What happens when it hits a wake ? Lift off ?

The instrument panel does not include an altimeter or a depth gauge so it looks like she was designed to stay on the water.



When Paul acquired the boat he also received documentation that included letters between the developer Philip Christiansen and various vendors and interested parties that detail the issues with his design.

Most telling is a 16mm film shot in the early 60’s that shows the boat on the water. Apparently once underway at a relatively slow speed it can be seen the bow actually dips down and the prop hits the water and stops.

She is powered by the original 125 hp Continental aircraft engine and according to Mr. Christiansen the craft was supposed to reach speeds of 75-80 mph.

Thanks,
Terry

It's interesting as all get out though. With the prop hitting the water at speed I'd think the torque would shear the prop off. I bet the design would work with a rear engine configuration and a "pusher" prop instead of a "puller". Like a "flying boat". Maybe this rig is where that name came from ?

A small propeller and some bow planes would probably solve the dipping problem.
Or just add some jet engines and eliminate the prop problem.

I WANT ONE !! How long for delivery ? LOL.

I sometimes wonder why we had no wind section here. Lots of people have them.