Thanks to a friend Jasmine, I recently got to scan these photographs from Brazil circa 1950 (give or take 10 years).  Her Grandfather was a pilot for Panam, a sailor, and photographer. In one of his trips to Brazil he took these pictures.  I am curious to learn more about the sailboats shown here.  They pair gorgeous exotic sails (at least to my eyes), with a simple rectangular keel-less hull that look almost like lashed rafts of logs that have been cut off to angle the bow.  I am completely taken by this set of photos.  Please post more information and links if you know anything, and I will add updates if I can learn more about this history of this vessel type.  I did learn so far the Praia de Iracema, as written on the image, is in Fortaleza, Brazil.     

photo by Karsten Petersen. Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter Nov 2, 1976

 I imagine since boats floated, people have made them their homes.  The fishing communities of China must be among the oldest of liveaboard cultures.  These images show the the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter in Hong Kong harbor.  The first image, from 1976, is from an incredible collection of images by Karsten Petersen.  Do not pass up seeing more of his images.

photo by ©UdoSm

This second photo from panaramio shows the same spot about three decades later.  I also found some pictures by  Bernard Tse.  He describes this community as the “remains of the aboriginal boat people.”  In recent images and satellite pictures, it is clear the numbers of people are dwindling from the days off when it appears you could cross the harbor hopping from boat to boat.

A Maine pumpkin boater

 It’s pumpkin racing season again.  All over the world, giant pumpkins are carving out giant pumpkins for racing.  Locations include Nekoosa, Wisconsin, Windsor, Nova Scotia, Tualatin, Oregon, Damariscotta, Maine, Burlington, VT, Elk Grove, California and Hampshire, England.  This list is not comprehensive, and it seems like this sport is growing in popularity, especially among competitive pumpkin growers.  These folks aim to grow big pumpkins, some well over 1500 lbs.  It seems you can carve a pumpkin boat from a 600+ lbs, but the bigger the better.  The Windsor, Nova Scotia race appears to be the largest race drawing over 50 contestants, as well as the most advanced, with both a paddled and motorized catagory.  This Wall Street Journal article notes that the first pumpkin boat was made by Wayne Hackney of Winchester, NH in 1996 when traveled 2 miles across Candlewood lake in Connecticut. » Continue reading “Pumpkin Boats Galore”

In this case, sadly no shrink-ray was used. Instead, we are witness to the magic of bent light and digital imaging in the hands of Australian photographer Keith Loutit.  Using a tilt-shift lens effect, these time-lapse images of Sydney harbor appear to be the most incredible boat models ever.  They are great fun to watch, with great music too.  Watch them embedded here, or follow the links directly to Vimeo to watch them in HD.  As a side, these are great lessons in the kite-like movements of boats at anchor in a wind or current.

Bathtub III from Keith Loutit on Vimeo.

one more short clip after the jump » Continue reading “Sydney Harbor Shrunk With Magic”