In the early morning hours of July 5, the Port Angeles waterfront lost a stalwart when we learned of the death of Capt. Bill Larson.
Larson was known and beloved by many in all walks of life.
I first met Master Mariner Bill Larson in August 2006, shortly after I began writing this column.
Larson called me, introduced himself and invited my wife and me to the monthly meeting of the Port Angeles Yacht Club where we met a roomful of local mariners, many of whom have become lasting friends.
Soon thereafter, the tall ship Lady Washington moored to City Pier while on her way to Port Townsend.
Larson gave my wife and me a tour of the vessel.
We enjoyed listening to Larson reminiscing about his 31/2 years aboard the Lady Washington.
I recall that during her stay in Port Angeles, Larson had important duties. He was the land captain which meant he was their go-to guy for all things shore-side.
Larson had a wealth of knowledge when it came to all things nautical.
On those occasions when I would make a faux pas in the column he was quick to show me the error of my ways which I always appreciated and as time marches on I will miss.
Goodbye Bill.
Salish Sea Dream, the 80-foot whale watching boat built by Armstrong Marine at their manufacturing facility on Highway 101 midway between Port Angeles and Sequim, has been sitting on the hard at Platypus Marine, the full-service shipyard, yacht-repair facility and steel-boat manufacturer on Marine Drive.
I understand the vessel was scheduled to go into the water Friday for an incline experiment.
An incline experiment is designed to test the stability of a new vessel.
The experiment is conducted by moving heavy weights about the deck of the vessel and recording the angles of heel that are produced.
The data are then used to calculate the vertical position of the center of gravity.
When a vessel is constructed, all components used in construction are weighed, and the data is used to calculate the vertical position of the center of gravity.
If the center of gravity is too low on the vessel, it will return to center with a hard snap, causing personnel to be cast about. If the center is too high, it will cause the vessel to heel over. If necessary, ballast is moved or added to achieve the required stability.
There also is a 36-foot moose boat sitting on the hard at Platypus Marine.
It is a security boat used in Bremerton by the U.S. Navy.
Platypus hauled the vessel out for Delphinus Engineering of Bremerton which was recently awarded a contract to perform some work on the vessel and have requested some assistance from Platypus Marine.
Within the past few days I received a couple of phone calls and an email asking why the ships in the harbor discharge water from the vessel. Typically, circulating pumps are engaged that draw water from the harbor to cool any equipment they might have operating.
The water seen coming out of the side of the ship has already passed by equipment needing cooling and is being returned to the harbor.
Last Sunday, Tesoro Petroleum provided bunkers to European Spirit, an 883-foot petroleum products carrier that is flagged in the Bahamas. Thursday, Tesoro bunkered BW Boss, a 754-foot LPG tanker that is flagged in the Bahamas.
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David G. Sellars is a Port Angeles resident and former Navy boatswain’s mate who enjoys boats and strolling the area’s waterfronts and boat yards.
Items and questions involving boating, marina and industrial activities and the North Olympic Peninsula waterfronts are always welcome. News announcements about boating groups, including yacht clubs and squadrons, are welcome as well.
Email dgsellars@hotmail.com or phone him at 360-808-3202.