Author: ws lirakis

a sailor who carries a camera

SNOW DAYS

I had ordered a new scanner to replace one that functioned perfectly well except for the fact that Snow Leopard would no longer recognize it. HP after 4 months still had not created a new driver and there was no indication that they were even thinking of doing it. They were certainly no help when I contacted them.

The snow coupled with cold short days gave me a reason to start working in ernest.

I have a new Epson, and very pleased. I have scanned documents, slides, and negatives so far and the quality is far superior to that of my old scanner. Sometimes the right thing happens for the wrong reason.



burning calories

We had snow storm of the winter, starting last night into today, wind up to 50 knots. It seemed to me that we had 2 feet and drifts up to my chest, always just where I needed to shovel. For those who wanted a white christmas, their wish was granted. Ski country got only a dusting as it was a coastal storm, the same one that hit Virginia, New York, and on up the coast.


W. H. AUDEN

I was an english major during my college years. At some point during that time W. H. Auden came to URI and spent several days. He came to my classes. I had tea with him. I was able to spend time with a man I thought a great deal of. I liked his poetry, listening to him recite his own works was a joy. He was no less engaging a conversationalist

I feel fortunate to have had that small moment in my life.

No Ocean for old men

Imagine us telling the spaniards that our three finalists are bugs baern steve lirakis and dumoulin- ages 77,62 and 63! You and bug baer had twice the ocean experience as anyone else. Also twice the average age of everyone! we went for the midrange 30-50. apparently you and I and Rich du Moulin and Rich Wilson are now the eminent greybeards of the club’s distance racers:

No Ocean for old men

Imagine us telling the spaniards that our three finalists are bugs baern steve lirakis and dumoulin- ages 77,62 and 63! You and bug baer had twice the ocean experience as anyone else. Also twice the average age of everyone! we went for the midrange 30-50. apparently you and I and Rich du Moulin and Rich Wilson are now the eminent greybeards of the club’s distance racers:

Carravaggio in Malta

Carravaggio fled to Malta in 1608. As everywhere he went, he left his mark. The collection of the Cathedral of St. John in Valletta of his paintings is one of the finest I have ever seen. In the last 25 years I have gone to every exhibit of Carravaggio I could; each with a tale of it’s own.

Carravaggio was dubbed a knight by the time he left Malta, depending on which version you read, leaving behind some of the most visceral, powerful paintings I have ever seen. A man with such self destructive talent.

burning chap six meter evening



Burning chap at Jesse Smith’s of “Totem” this evening. The weather cooperated nicely and many familiar faces were surrounding the bonfire hoping to cook marsh mellows on a stick.

Onne van der wal showed his outstanding photographs of the 6 and 12 meter championships.
Tony Widmann announced plans for an overall trophy for the coming season, which he is generously donating. All in an attempt to keep the class alive and active.
Toby Rodes spoke briefly, poking the embers of the class as well.

more Carina memories, the big mouth frog.


In 1971, I was preparing “Carina” for another trans-atlantic crossing to Cowes for the Admiral’s Cup. “Carina” was again part of the 3 boat team representing the United States.

I had “Carina” tied to the dock at Indian Harbour Yacht Club; a man approached me saying he had these things, cold light, recently invented by him, and he was not yet sure what they would be useful for. He gave me some for the trip asking if I/we could provide feedback to him about possible uses.
As we all know today cylume is so big and commonplace that no one probably asks where they came from or when.
During the crossing, we mostly played with them, for amusement. I did use one while working on a leak in the compressor for the refrigeration, but really because it was available.