Tuesday, June 3, 2008

The Bowsprit

One of the most distinguishable parts of some sailing vessels, besides the masts and sails, is the bowsprit. It is afterall the leading edge or most forward part of the boat. Wikipedia offers a good definition and concise history of the bowsprit here. The bowsprit in this photo belongs to the tall ship Adventuress shown here at dockside in Boat Haven marina. I've fond memories as a very young boy lying in the bow of my father's fishing boat in the Gulf of Mexico and watching porposies and flying fish scatter in front of us. I later had a sailboat with bowsprit and on fair sailing days continued to fancy that spot for daydreaming.

6 comments:

Small City Scenes said...

Great shot--I do love the tall ships. Great infor too. And look at that flat water--very pretty. MB

Louis la Vache said...

Great shot - and subject! Oh, yes! "Louis" likes the sailing ships, too, and completely agrees with you about the bowsprits!

Benjamin Madison said...

Nice shot and thanks for the memory.

Texas Travelers said...

Thanks for the recent visit. Did you live in the Gulf area long? Where? Even though it's a 350-750 mile drive from Ft. worth, it's our favorite part of Texas (along the coast), and we visit as often as possible.

Nice photo of the Bowsprit and thanks for the Wiki link.

Troy

Jane Hards Photography said...

Beautiful reflection. I do love sailing ships, but I am surrounded by fishing trawlers.

Dina said...

Oh, thank you for your photo and thoughts on the bowsprit! I crewed for 4 days on a voyage of the Maine schooner American Eagle. Once, despite the waves and wind, I gathered courage and, with Capt. John's permission, went to the end of the bowsprit. Those were thrilling minutes I'll never forget.