We can observe a lot about the ships we see going by, but there’s a lot we can’t tell as well. One of those things is how they do business.
Today we’ll talk about two common maritime cargo industry terms: the concept of a “tramp” ship and a “liner” vessel.
So ships may look the same on the outside, but their business models are very different. One way to tell is to observe them over time.
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On Tuesday some observant folks noticed an unusual ship in Astoria’s anchorage – a car carrier. Such ships usually pass us by on their way to Portland or Vancouver, but this one experienced engine problems outbound and had to stop in Astoria’s anchorage.
We’ll talk about why an outbound stopover like this doesn’t happen often, and why, when it does, it’s a complex feat to accomplish safely.
We’ll also talk about strong ebb tides this week, and why mariners will be watching this closely.
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Today we’ll take a look at ship traffic and weather, and also at a seasonal tradition that started again this year a few weeks ago: sailboat racing on the Columbia River off Astoria and Hammond. Every Tuesday night through the summer, through the Astoria Yacht Club.
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I talk a lot in general about maritime pilots on the show: they are so central to everything that happens with ships in the river.
But what we see off Astoria is just a snapshot of a much larger picture.
Today we’ll talk about pilots on ships, from outside the river in the ocean, passing Astoria where we often see them, to upriver in port. It’s a complex process involving multiple pilots, each one an expert at the top of their profession.
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This morning, 50 boats will set off from the mouth of the Columbia River headed for Victoria, BC, participating in the 50th annual Pacific NW Offshore race. These are racing and cruising sailboats approximately 30 to 40 feet long (some larger). They’ll spend a couple of days at sea in windy, rainy conditions.
We’ll take a look at what’s in store for racers, and also how you can track their progress.
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Today from 11 to 2, you can stop by the Port of Ilwaco and see some of the 50 sailboats getting ready for the 50th annual PNW Offshore Race from the Columbia River to Victoria BC.
Also, two interesting military ships arrive in the river today, headed for the Portland shipyard.
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