Nautical Nostalgia (Web) Log
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Random Jottings of a Skipper
Random Jottings of a Skipper First published in the NWT Journal, Autumn 1986 Author: Admiral Elsan (David Bray) Quanting up to West Somerton I would like to …
Breydon Days
Breydon Days The Norfolk Wherry Trust journal for 2020 contained some magnificent photos of “Maud” and “Albion” sailing in company across Breydon Water. I would …
Footsteps of Arthur Ransome
Footsteps of Arthur Ransome First published in the Spring 1984 NWT Journal. Author: Leveret (David Bray) Arthur Ransome Some things are precious, and among our …
Wherrying with Nat
Wherrying with Nat I have often been asked the question – “How did you learn to sail Albion?” Well, it’s a long story, and it …
Sea Breezes – Otranto
Sea Breezes – Otranto The venerable ‘Sea Breezes’ magazine which celebrated its centenary in 2019, is featuring some of David’s paintings in a series called …
Dynamic Positioning – new 3rd Edition
DP Operator’s Handbook – 3rd Edition A major update of this definitive work is now available after a major update. Accepted as the standard textbook …
A visit to Sydney
A Visit to Sydney It was 1970. I was 2nd Mate in a cargo ship, the “City of Canberra”, sailing on the MANZ line route …
Nautical Heath and Safety
Nautical Health and Safety I had always wanted to join the Merchant Navy. And here I was, cadet with Ellerman Lines. Joined my first ship …
Ten and a Chinaman!
Ten and a Chinaman (Why nautical speed is measured in knots) Ship speed is measured in “knots”, a knot being a speed of one nautical …
Queen Mary’s Whistle
Queen Mary’s Whistle In November 2014 I had a speaking appointment aboard Queen Mary 2. Very pleased finally to get to lecture on board this magnificent …
Small World – The People You Meet
The People You Meet… One of the joys of serving as a cruise-ship speaker is talking to the members of the audience after a lecture. …
An Old Friend – John Biscoe Launch
An Old Friend From 1972 till 1975 I served as Navigating Officer in the RRS (Royal Research Ship) “John Biscoe”. This was an interesting appointment, …