TRIVIA ARCHIVE
5-1-99 to 10-9-99

Week beginning 9 October, 1999-

"In the northern hemisphere, if one would stand facing the wind, with his/her right arm extended at an angle of about 100 degrees relative to the direction faced, what atmospheric characteristic would they most likely be pointing toward? What is the name of the law or principle being used?"

Answer: You'd be pointing in the vicinity of the center of a low pressure area, in accordance with Buys Ballots Law.

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH
Nancy B. of Port Clinton, OH
Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
Patrick D. of Chevy Chase, MD
Capt. Steve of Yonkers, NY
Harry D. of Isle of Palms, SC
John S. of Charleston, SC
Capt. Dick of Avalon, NJ
Reggie H. of Georgetown, SC
Don R. of M/V Ruby J, Portland, OR
Bob L. of Lanoka Harbor, NJ
Bill M. of Nashville, TN
Capt. Shaun of Fort Washington, PA
Bob of Saipan, CNMI
Jim C. of Bayfield, ONT
Capt. Tristan of Long Island, NY

Week beginning 2 October, 1999-

"Around 1888, about the time the British Merchant Shipping Act began requiring lifejackets aboard every merchant and passenger vessel, the most popular variety of life jacket was actually a cork-filled "belt" with 40 pounds of buoyancy. What specific name was given to this device, and why was it designed with such high buoyancy?"

Answer: It was called the Soldier's Life Belt, and was designed with enough bouyancy to support a soldier, his weapon, and ammunition.

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
(No one achieved the coveted Ooh or Aah this week! heh heh heh)

Week beginning 4 September, 1999-

"This common nautical term is used to describe the body of water next to a pier or wharf where boats or ships float."

Answer: The area of water in which a vessel lies when made fast is called a "dock". Many people think they can stand on a dock... but it would be impossible to do so.

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
Harry D. of Isle of Palms, SC
Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
John S. of Charleston, SC
Jim C. of Bayfield, ONT
Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH

Week beginning 28 August, 1999-

"Another word for 'trench', this nautical term describes a characteristic of the ocean floor where the depth is exceptionally great in comparison to adjacent areas. The term is usually reserved for depths of over 3,000 fathoms (nearly 3½ statute miles)."

Answer: The Deeps

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
John S. of Charleston, SC
Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH
Jim C. of Bayfield, ONT
Capt. Steve of Yonkers, NY

Week beginning 21 August, 1999-

"This song of the sea is considered one of the oldest, best-known and best-loved. It is said to have been written in 1694-5 when the British fleet under Russell wintered at Cadiz, Spain. The first few lines were also sung by the fishing boat captain in the movie "Jaws". Name that tune."

Answer: "Spanish Ladies"
(Hear Capt. Quint sing a line)

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
Capt. Steve of Yonkers, NY
John S. of Charleston, SC
Terry M. of Sarasota, FL
Capt. Dick of Avalon, NJ
Shellback Bob A. of Atlanta, GA
Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH
Jim C. of Bayfield, ONT
Lynn P. of Crystal River, FL
Jim P. of DeForest, WI
Patrick D. of Chevy Chase, MD

Week beginning 14 August, 1999-

"When a forecaster predicts seas of 5-7 feet, it means that a certain percentage of waves will be in that height range. What is the percentage used?"
(Note: To dissuade multiple guesses in order to "zero-in" on the exact percentage, for this week only I'll accept just the first answer submitted from a player!)

Answer: According to the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary "Boating Skills and Seamanship" course textbook, a prediction of "seas 3-5 feet" means that "70% of the waves are expected to be between three and five feet high." This is a different prediction than "significant wave height", which many of you answered.

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
John S. of Charleston, SC
Chuck F. of Fernandina Beach, FL
Lynn P. of Crystal River, FL

Week beginning 7 August, 1999-

"In the time of Columbus, a ritual performed each evening was to point at the North Star, and then slowly lower the arm in a steady arc to the ship's compass. What was this ritual called?"
(Thanks to Capt. Dick of Avalon, NJ, for this week's Trivia Question!)

Answer: "The Pilot's Blessing"
(Time-Life Navigation)

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
Capt. Dick of Avalon, NJ
Capt. Shaun of Fort Washington, PA

Week beginning 31 July, 1999-

"What name is given to the compass error caused by friction of the compass liquid during a turn?"

Answer: Swirl Error
(See Glossary, Bowditch Vol II, or click here

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
Capt. Dick of Avalon, NJ
Jim C. of Bayfield, ONT
Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH
John S. of Charleston, SC

Week beginning 24 July, 1999-

"What is it about alcohol use that MOST GREATLY increases the risk of death by hypothermia in cold water?"

Answer: Although alcohol-induced vasodilation and other physiological factors can contribute to reduced survival time once you find yourself in the water, the most SIGNIFICANT risk is that alcohol causes you to fall into cold water in the first place.

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH
John S. of Charleston, SC
Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
Patrick D. of Chevy Chase, MD
Reggie H. of Georgetown, SC
Bob L. of Lanoka Harbor, NJ
Yukon B. of Woodstock, NY

Week beginning 17 July, 1999-

"Cloud formations provide clues to the skilled mariner about expected weather conditions. Who is the person credited with classifying clouds as cumulus, cirrus, and stratus?"

Answer: Luke Howard (1802-03), a London pharmacist.

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
John S. of Charleston, SC

Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH (Jim's 100th Win!)
Patrick D. of Chevy Chase, MD
Nancy B. of Port Clinton, OH
Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
Reggie H. of Georgetown, SC
Terry M. of Sarasota, FL
Capt. Dick of Avalon, NJ
Bob L. of Lanoka Harbor, NJ

Week beginning 10 July, 1999-

"What was the original meaning of Scuttle Butt before it came to be slang for gossip or information?"

Answer: The sailor's well, or source of fresh drinking water.

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
John S. of Charleston, SC
Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
Yukon B. of Woodstock, NY
Harry D. of Isle of Palms, SC

Terry M. of Sarasota, FL (Our Newest Hall of Famer!)
Reggie H. of Georgetown, SC
Capt. Tristan of Long Island, NY
Patrick D. of Chevy Chase, MD
Bob of Saipan, CNMI
Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH
Jim C. of Bayfield, ONT
Capt. Dick of Avalon, NJ
Bob L. of Lanoka Harbor, NJ
Stu of Gamgee, DC
Chuck of Fernandina Beach, FL

Week beginning 3 July, 1999-

"What does this chart symbol designate?"

Answer: One type of light with an intensified sector

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
Harry D. of Isle of Palms, SC
Capt. Steve of Yonkers, NY
Patrick D. of Chevy Chase, MD
Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
Reggie H. of Georgetown, SC
Jim C. of Bayfield, ONT
Terry M. of Sarasota, FL
Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH
Bob of Saipan, CNMI
Bob L. of Lanoka Harbor, NJ
John S. of Charleston, SC
Stu of S/V Gamgee

Week beginning 26 June, 1999-

"The loss of fourteen men and two state-of-the-art crabbing vessels in the Bering Sea in 1983 was the worst disaster in the history of U. S. commercial fishing. What were the names of the two sister ships that were lost in that tragic disaster?"

Answer: Altair and Americus
Read "Lost at Sea, An American Tragedy"
by Patrick Dillon
Also, visit here

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
John S. of Charleston, SC
Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
Jim C. of Bayfield, ONT
Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH
Bob C. of Chestertown, MD
Capt. Steve of Yonkers, NY
Capt. Dick of Avalon, NJ

Bob L. of Lanoka Harbor, NJ (Bob's 50th Trivia Win!!)
Patrick D. of Chevy Chase, MD
Nancy B. of Port Clinton, OH
Reggie H. of Georgetown, SC
Terry M. of Sarasota, FL

Week beginning 19 June, 1999-

"This form of boat construction employs several layers of wire mesh and steel rods, and covered with a mortar made of concrete and sand or volcanic ash. What is this type of boat construction called?"

Answer: Ferrocement

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
Shellback Bob A. of Atlanta, GA
Yukon B. of Woodstock, NY
Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
John P. of Puquoson, VA
John S. of Charleston, SC
Capt. Steve of Yonkers, NY
Capt. Tristan of Long Island, NY
Patrick D. of Chevy Chase, MD
Capt. Dick of Avalon, NJ
Jim C. of Bayfield, ONT
Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH
Bob L. of Lanoka Harbor, NJ
Chuck F. of Fernandina Beach, FL
Keeper of Bradenton, FL
Reggie H. of Georgetown, SC
Bob C. of Chestertown, MD
Harry D. of Isle of Palms, SC

Week beginning 12 June, 1999-

"What is the name given to the north-east gale which occasionally blows with great force off the coast of Central America, often without adequate signs to alert a navigator of its approach?"

Answer: Papagayo (Pacific Coast) or Tehuantepecer (Atlantic Coast)

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
Capt. Steve of Yonkers, NY
Jim C. of Bayfield, ONT
Harry D. of Isle of Palms, SC
Capt. Tristan of Long Island, NY
John S. of Charleston, SC
Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH

Week beginning 5 June, 1999-

"Why is the helm on most powerboats on the starboard side of the vessel?"

Answer: As the water resists the clockwise motion of a turning right-hand propeller, it causes the boat to roll slightly in a counterclockwise direction, or up on the starboard side. Placing the driver's seat on the starboard side helps offset this slight imbalance. Of course, boats differ significantly in the degree of their reaction to this paddlewheel affect.

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
John S. of Charleston, SC
Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH
Jim C. of Bayfield, ONT
Capt. Steve of Yonkers, NY
Harry D. of Isle of Palms, SC

Week beginning 29 May, 1999-

"Name at least four items aboard a vessel that must be labeled as being Coast Guard approved in order to meet Federal and most state requirements."

Answer: Personal Flotation Devices, Visual Distress Signals, Backfire Flame Arrestors, Fire Extinguishers, Marine Sanitation Devices, and perhaps the Certificate of Compliance could be interpreted as a CG approval label for the boat itself. Other safety equipment may be required or recommended, but most do not require CG approval labeling.

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:

Bob C. of Chesterton, MD (Congratulations as new member of the "Hall of Fame"!)
Charles W. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
Wet Spot of Buffalo, NY

Ed & Bonnie K. of Fort Wayne, IN (Congrats to new Hall of Famers!)
Dave D. of Oswego, IL

Week beginning 22 May, 1999-

"Why is a U. S. vessel carrying more than seven passengers for hire commonly referred to as a 'T-Boat'?"

Answer: Because it must adhere to standards of Subchapter "T" of Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations.

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
John S. of Charleston, SC
Reggie H. of Georgetown, SC
Patrick D. of Chevy Chase, MD
Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
Capt. Dick of Avalon, NJ

Bob of Saipan, CNMI (The Newest Member of the Hall of Fame!)
Jim C. of Bayfield, ONT
Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH
Capt. Tristan of Long Island, NY
Joel F. of San Diego, CA

Week beginning 15 May, 1999-

"Centuries ago, this country organized the first humane society with the mission of saving life from the perils of the sea. What country was it?"

Answer: China

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
Jim C. of Bayfield, ONT
Capt. Steve of Yonkers, NY
Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
Patrick D. of Chevy Chase, MD
Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH
John S. of Charleston, SC

Week beginning 8 May, 1999-

"Within 2 psi, what is the minimum gauge reading on a CO² fire extinguisher that will satisfy the Federal Requirements?" (Thanks to Capt. Dick of Avalon, NJ, for this week's Trivia Question!)

Answer: CO² extinguishers don't have gauges...they must be weighed in order to determine compliance.

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
Capt. Dick of Avalon, NJ
Capt. Steve of Yonkers, NY

Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC (Bob's 50th Trivia win!)
Bob L. of Lanoka Harbor, NJ
Yukon B. of Woodstock, NJ
Jim C. of Bayfield, ONT
Reggie H. of Georgetown, SC
Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH
Wet Spot of Buffalo, NY
John S. of Charleston, SC
Capt. Tristan of Long Island, NY
Patrick D. of Chevy Chase, MD

Week beginning 1 May, 1999-

"In the early 18th century, condemned prisoners were chained here and slowly drowned by incoming tides, and it became a rallying point for the Revolutionary War. In 1850, a handsome light station was built at this infamous site, and continues to burn brightly. What is its name?"

Answer: Execution Rock (NY)

"Waydago", "Ooh", and "Aah" to:
John S. of Charleston, SC
Bob M. of Mt. Pleasant, SC
Nancy B. of Port Clinton, OH
Jim P. of Port Clinton, OH
Capt. Steve of Yonkers, NY
Capt. Tristan of Long Island, NY
Jim C. of Bayfield, ONT
Johnny K. of Port St. Lucie, FL

Capt. Dick of Avalon, NJ (Congratulations on your 50th Trivia Win!)
Bob of Saipan, CNMI
YukonB of Woodstock, NY
Shellback Bob A. of Atlanta, GA

TRIVIA ARCHIVE
5-1-99 to 10-9-99

Back to Trivia Archive Menu

Back to the Main Page

TRIVIA ARCHIVE5-1-99 to 10-9-99

Back to Trivia Archive Menu

Back to the Main Page

TRIVIA ARCHIVE
5-1-99 to 10-9-99