In the spring of 2014 adapted an aircraft Astrocompass, for use at sea. https://empiricusembarks.com/2014/06/22/if-it-cannot-be-bought-it-must-be-built/ I did this by gutting an old Wood Freeman Autopilot compass, which was gimbal mounted. Then replaced the magnetic compass works, with a standard astrocompass mount. Then Samantha and I packed the works up to the Arctic, where Empiricus lay waiting […]
Read more "A Gimbaled Astrocompass Experiment"“STORMR” Product review from a sailors perspective. By Capt. Jesse Osborn and the crew of SV Empiricus. 2012-2014 In 2012, I was preparing to sail the fabled Northwest Passage. Having the right foul weather gear was going to be important. As I discussed this with a friend, he told me about this new company called […]
Read more "2 SEASONS IN THE ARCTIC WITH “STORMR” An equipment review, by the crew of Empiricus"During the 2013 voyage, Empiricus carried a heavier load than she ever has (so far as I know, that is.) Usually her weight in the slings sits at 35000 pounds. This year, when hauling out in Cambridge Bay, the crane recorded her at 38000 pounds. That’s minus a crew of five, all their personal gear […]
Read more "A loaded boat, a leaky rudderpost and a weary bilge pump."If it cannot be bought, it must be built. Behind the scenes of any successful voyage is a mountain of preparation. The 2014 exit of the Northwest Passage is no exception to that need. And, seeing as the clock never stops ticking, I had a few important projects that were due. Wedged in between late […]
Read more "If it cannot be bought. It must be built."It’s just past 5 AM, here on the North Slope. I just got off nightshift, where I work as a mechanic in the winter. I’m tired. Yet I sit down this morning to write. Simply because what I have to say will not write itself. Personally I believe that the best thing we can pass […]
Read more "Safe Home"Our full week in Kodiak has been Jam packed. So far we have; Stowed the food, Mounted the new stove, Built and installed lee cloths, Re wired the Chart Plotter and depth sounder, Reconfigured the coachroof area and mounted the life raft, Built the Headstay radio antenna, built new Genoa and Jib stays, Sold some […]
Read more "Rigging, dinghy swamping, Coastal Exploring and lots of work!"Steven and I rolled onto the ferry, and slept hard, from dock to dock… Its a good thing because the next 2 days were a whirlwind. Over 20 trips from the Potato, with 200lb plus carts at low tide. Steven earned his keep ad impresses some local fisherman with his energy and good attitude. I […]
Read more "2 days in Kodiak"Follow the link to show Stormr gear in action! http://youtu.be/7u9K8SllxFk
Read more "Final Stormr testing goes well. Sailing in Resurrection Bay."Captain Osborn and his crew have been testing “Stormr” gear as it will be used while sailing the Northwest Passage to Greenland this year. The video was edited by Stormr, but is an accurate representation of our findings. Which were impressive… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9hUZCKolAc&feature=youtu.be
Read more "Stormr Gear Testing Video"Testing Stormr Gear for the Northwest Passage. Midnight, March in the Seward Harbor Swimming is fast and easy in the Stormr gear. A plunge into the harbor in March is no joke. I was very surprised how well I was insulated. Even after 5 full minutes in the water, my teeth never chattered and my […]
Read more "Gear Testing Begins and Stormr proves itself"Sailing, yachts, adventure and sailing around the world!
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