The Blogs of Nautical Blogfest Feb 08

Thanks to Bonnie and Michael I got to meet some blogs and bloggers who I have not yet had the pleasure of getting to know. Let me share: Towmaster: The blog of the Masters of Towing Association. This blog is focused on the issues facing licensed masters, mates and crews of towing vessels. Joel Milton, the author of this blog was fascinating to talk to, hearing about the challenges these guys and gals face. I also learned that no matter what the Rules of the Road say, these guys have such a tough time maneuvering that you should give them space and lots of it. However much space you think is enough - Double it! Tillerman, beware, Joe said that East Narraganset is one of the toughest passages for towing tugs full of sailors tacking back and forth. Tugster: I have been following this blog for a while like many others but it was great to meet Will Van Dorp in person. I always wondered where he took his photos from. It was driving me crazy. Will explained that he drives from Queens to Elizabeth NJ for work and that takes him past multiple spots that are great for viewing the working vessels of New York. Sexinthepublicsquare: OK not a nautical blog and actually despite the name not a naughty blog either (sorry Elizabeth couldn't resist!). Elizabeth is Will's partner and runs a blog/community about sexuality and why the conversation needs to be more out in the open. Bowsprite: Christina has one of the most captivating blogs about NY's waterways. If you haven't already checked it out, I promise you will love her water colors and lyrical prose about life in 6th Borough (that's the H2O bit). Christina volunteers in all kinds of working and sailing vessels in the area and knows her stuff. And Christina I hope you don't mind me borrowing your watercolor for this blog heading. Summitofshore: John is a paddling Presbyterian minister and outdoors-man. He has a great blog with his wife Vicky about his life in the Church and the outdoors, especially paddling in NY. Check out his post about Why We Blog. A Movable Bridge: Truly a fascinating blog. It's actually more an account of Brian and Karen's adventures in Puffin (yes Puffin!) their sturdy motorboat in exploring NY's 25 movable bridges. I only had a brief chance to talk with Brian so didn't learn till later that he is also a schooner sailor and has done some very challenging passages. One more great excuse to do this again. Controlgeek: John's blog is not so much about water stuff but more about his fascinating career in show technology. Very cool blog with all kinds of stuff about sound, lighting and amazing show technology. John is also a NY waterman, kayaker kinda guy. Peconic Jeff: Jeff is a windsurfing buddy of the Puffmeister. Michael talks about Jeff like he is his stunt double. When you see his blog, you will see why.  Michael does some crazy stuff that amazes me but Jeff takes it that one bit further. He also takes pics and video from his board. He explained how and I still don't believe it. Peconic Puffin: The one and only, Michael Alex, co-organizer of the festivities with Bonnie. What can I say about the Puffin's blog that Joe hasn't already said? He tells a better account than I about the evening here. I had an idea, though. You called it a Web 2.0 evening, how about Web H2O? Frogma: It was so great to meet Bonnie after all this time. As you can tell from her blog, Bonnie is an instigator and community organizer. I also didn't know that she as a former schooner sailor. Bonnie, we have to do this again and soon!