Posts by John Riise
Commodore Tompkins on the Move Again
Commodore Tompkins left in February on another voyage aboard 'Flashgirl'.
Catching Up With Sailors Cruising the Latitudes
Lots of folks come and go in the 'Changes in Latitudes' column every year. Here's a look at what a few of our 2024 'Changes' contributors are up to these days.
Navy Destroyer USS ‘Stewart’ Lies Below Your Keel off Point Reyes
An interesting sea story "resurfaced" recently after the discovery of the sunken Navy destroyer USS 'Stewart' off Point Reyes.
Going to Mexico Later This Year? Practice Your Dinghy Beach Landings First
Nobody should underestimate the power of waves — even two-footers — to do harm. They can flip or roll inflatables.
Friday’s Marvelous and Mysterious Maritime Memories: When Lifelines Fail
More than one sailor has gone overboard due to lifelines failing. At least in these two stories, the result was a good one.
George Bush and the Line Behind the ‘Mayflower’
Next time you see a line trailing in the water behind someone's boat, rather than criticize, remember the story of John Howland.
Captain Mary Patten of ‘Neptune’s Car’
No history of women in sailing is complete without the story of 19-year-old Mary Patten, who captained a 216-ft clipper from somewhere near Cape Horn to San Francisco in 1856.
Enjoy a Little Holiday Interlude With Salty Phrases — Part 2
Just after Thanksgiving, we shared the origins of some Salty Phrases — sayings that have been repeated for generations. Here is Part 2.
Here Are Some Salty Phrases To Start Your Week — Part 1
Most sailors are familiar with the main seagoing words that have made their ways into everyday jargon. But you might be surprised at how many familiar phrases also came down the gangplank.
Nothing Lasts Forever
Ruth and Marvin were looking for a new place to have dinner one night and came across Ana Bananas. Here they found 47 Crown Royal pouches said to contain the ashes of their deceased owners.
Receive emails when 'Lectronic Latitude is updated. SUBSCRIBE