Originally published in Chesapeake Bay Magazine – 2006 Time Tested – Ranger 33 by Tom Dove Magazine boat tests typically are based on inspecting and sailing a boat for half a day. This one covers 26 years. It’s my own boat, CRESCENDO, a 1976 Ranger 33. We’ve sailed many thousands of miles together during those Read More …
Author: Tom
Software Defined Radio
Hams: Click here for my notes on connecting FlexSDR to FLDIGI The virtual front panel of a Software Defined Radio (SDR) The new frontier in radio communications is Software Defined Radio. Instead of having a piece of hardware that looks like a radio, with dials, buttons and a display readout, there’s just a plain box. Read More …
Over The Horizon
Over The Horizon by Tom Dove Originally published in several Maryland newspapers 2/24/89 If your cruising has been restricted to the Chesapeake Bay and you would like more of an adventure this summer, why not plan a cruise that will take you into completely new waters? Go over the horizon and up the coast or Read More …
America’s Cup Spectacle
The 34th America’s Cup competition has started in San Francisco and it is spectacular, even on TV. The boats are 72-foot catamarans with hydrofoils that routinely touch 40 knots of boat speed in the winds that rip through the Golden Gate. The competitors are New Zealand, Sweden, Italy and the U.S. Prada (Italy) boycotted Read More …
How Much Can You Take?
A good boat, properly handled, can be a safe place when the wind kicks up. How much can your boat (and you) take? by Tom Dove First published 6/9/89 in several Maryland newspapers “Sunny and hot today with highs in the 90s and a chance of an afternoon or evening thundershower. Winds southerly at Read More …
Quiet Harbor In Ocracoke
Quiet Harbor In Ocracoke by Tom Dove Originally published in several Maryland newspapers 1/13/89 OCRACOKE, NC- The scene recalls the famous exchange between the Old West lawman and his faithful sidekick: “Sure is quiet.” “Yep. Too quiet.” Except for the hourly spurt of about a dozen cars from the Hatteras ferry, this village of Read More …
How Much Do You Need To Know?
Sailing a dinghy in strong winds takes a different set of skills from driving a runabout. Originally published in several Maryland newspapers 2/17/89 How much does a boater need to know? by Tom Dove Each spring, hundreds of people buy boats and go out to enjoy the Chesapeake and other bodies of water. Almost Read More …
Physical Fitness for “Ham” Radio Operators
Copyright Tom Dove 1993 Physical fitness for the amateur radio operator by Tom Dove Our spouses and friends may worry that we “Hams” do not get enough exercise as we sit for hours in front of our rigs. You can stay fit as you enjoy your hobby with these simple exercises, recommended by Read More …
Visit Your Boat In Midwinter
If your boat is winterized afloat, be sure to check the chafe gear on the dock lines. First published in several Maryland newspapers, 2/10/89 Visit your boat in midwinter by Tom Dove She is sitting out there patiently waiting for you. All she needs is a little attention and a few kind words and Read More …
The Trip To Haulout
The Trip to Haulout First published in several Maryland newspapers, 12/8/89 We waited a bit too long to take Crescendo to the boatyard for winter haulout, as usual. The Thanksgiving snow filled the cockpit to a depth of four or five inches and, while the day was clear, the temperature would never Read More …