HMCS Oriole

[bruceS]

For you Vancouver Islanders, the HMCS Oriole will be at Schooner Cove for the SCYC Regatta June 2, 3, and 4. I will be out on her from 1000-1400 on Sunday June 4, and will get some pics. HMCS ORIOLE is both the oldest vessel and the longest serving commissioned ship in the Canadian Navy -- Built 1921, George Lawley & Sons, Boston Shipyard. More info here: http://www.portalbernitallships.ca/Oriole.htm

Bruce

[JimD]

Don't think I'll be able to make it but thanks for the info and please post some of your pics when you get a chance.

[Sailor]

I sailed in her a couple of years ago. The site lists her hull as wood, Actually it's steel. her decks are Teack laid on top of the steel deck plates. Her rig was cut down years ago and it looks a little on the stumpy side when seen in profile and compared to others of her era. She is rigged so that maximum effort is required. Ie: everything is rigged so that it takes more work to sail her than is really necessary. She is used for sail training so the trainees need something to do. The headsail is a one part tackle. the entire crew sits on the lee deck and heaves in on the sheet. Once it's "About" where it should be sheeted in to, they use a jigger to haul back the block and taughten then sheet. Not the most efficient use of manpower but they are after all trying to increase the work needed to sail her. Lots of fun though. We came home under a single staysl, in with 40 knots over the deck doing 10 on a broad reach/ Run and it was awesome. She really is one of those heavy weather ketches. I'd love to see her up against Big Ti. What a race that would be. two heavy weather ketches on a downwind......MMMMM. Lots more length so Ti may be a little outclassed. Nice to think about anyway. SWMBO just informed me that I better let it be known that she sailed in Oriol as well.