Tangier Island ESPN3 Commercials

Not strictly sailing related, but we've only visited Tangier Island on Whisper, so I immediately thought about sailing when we first saw the new ESPN3 commercials featuring Tangier Island.



I think ESPN successfully conveyed how internet access can transform a small, isolated community without making that community seem (too) backwoods or simple. That task must have been difficult since the reason the commercials work is because of Tangier's isolation. I hope the community of Tangier is happy with the final results.

New Equipment Part 2

In addition to the brand new equipment, we’ve also used the trip as an excuse to upgrade several systems, performance maintenance and have some work done on Whisper.

We had both motors replaced with new Yamaha 9.9hp outboards. These are the same models as the originals, just newer, quieter and more reliable. We opted to stick with the manual tilt mostly because of the price but also because of the elegant simplicity of the system. If you know anyone wants two old, loud, unreliable Yamaha 9.9 hp long shaft outboards, boy I have a deal for you.

We added a new Garmin GPSMAP 740S chart plotter, and since it could interface with the second depth-measuring device (20 degree sonar transducer), radar (Garmin 18HD digital array), and XM Satellite Weather we threw those in too. The radar has probably been the most fun (B), and XM Weather has proven a big advancement in marine weather safety (L). We get the same next generation radar loops used by weather forecasters superimposed on our chart plotter screen (B). Also superimposed are easy to read weather symbols – like the giant cloud and lightening bolts (L). The NOAA forecast is also available to read, which means no more missing the forecast on the radio and having to wait 15 minutes for it to repeat because we both missed it the first time around.(B+L).

Two things we hope we never need, but wouldn’t want to be without: EPRIB and an emergency drogue. An EPIRB (Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon) broadcasts a distress signal via a satellite uplink anywhere (or pretty much anywhere) in the world. An emergency drogue is to slow the boat down to avoid surfing and maintain better control

For comfort, we replacing and upgraded the deck cleats and installed a 12v outlet in the starboard hull by the stereo for the ipod.

We’ve also made several purchases:

• an extra anchor (fortress FX-16)
• fishing gear (Handlines)
• Force 10 Marine BBQ grill
• Tri Lens Radar Reflector
• New handheld VHF that floats! (Ben keeps dropping them in the drink)
• Dry bags
• Wetsuits and snorkeling gear

Before we head south we plan on also having the boat hauled out of the water to scrape the bottom, add bottom paint, wax and polish the hull, check the standing rigging, and change the port of call from the town in Maine where the boat was purchased to Deltaville, VA where we now keep her.

Looking back on the refit, I think we would have been able to make the trip without any of these upgrades, but the trip will be safer and more enjoyable having done them.