Superstition

[Clint]

I'm going to start refurbishing my wooden mast, and have found the penny that was used when it was first stepped. Would l be incurring the wrath of Poseidon/Neptune or any other Gods if l removed it while refurbing, or should l work around it.

Clint

 

[Robert Wilson]

Reverently remove it and place it in some safe receptacle onboard where it can still work its protective magic during the refurbishment.

This ceremony, and the eventual replacing thereof must be accompanied by much consumption of reviving liquid and nourishing food.

Personally, I would talk to said artifact at frequent intervals whilst partaking of further refreshments. A running commentary on progress and hopes probably would be efficacious!

 

[Downsman]

" Reverently remove it and place it in some safe receptacle onboard where it can still work its protective magic during the refurbishment"

Sound advice..Also check it carefully before you replace it, it may be one of those rare coins that escape from the Royal Mint which are mis-stamped and become collectable. Might be worth more than your boat!!...

 

[pampas]

wooden mast? Copper coins, yes are to keep the gremlins away . but the copper also acts to preserve the step point and the foot of the mast. the older the coin the higher copper content after we started counting to 10 that content is now very small, so not so effective.

 

[Robert Wilson]

wooden mast? Copper coins, yes are to keep the gremlins away . but the copper also acts to preserve the step point and the foot of the mast. the older the coin the higher copper content after we started counting to 10 that content is now very small, so not so effective.

Not many people know that - I for one!

1933, I think is the one to hope for IIRC

 

[prv]

the copper also acts to preserve the step point and the foot of the mast

One of Stavros's masts has a gold sovereign under it. Not a lot of preservative value in that, I guess

Pete

 

[AntarcticPilot]

One of Stavros's masts has a gold sovereign under it. Not a lot of preservative value in that, I guess

Pete

Nope - might as well pocket it and replace it with a penny!

 

[Daydream believer]

One of Stavros's masts has a gold sovereign under it. Not a lot of preservative value in that, I guess

Pete

Value of gold went up quite a bit during the recession so it may not be a bad move after all

 

[Daydream believer]

One of Stavros's masts has a gold sovereign under it. Not a lot of preservative value in that, I guess

Pete

Value of gold went up quite a bit during the recession so it may not be a bad move after all

 

[skipperwales]

All this mumbo jumbo superstition is absolute nonsense - so I'd do exactly as advised and treat with absolute reverence and solemnity.
It's all a bit Pascals wagerish isn't it

 

[prv]

Nope - might as well pocket it and replace it with a penny!

I think you'd need some quite serious lifting equipment to get the foot of the mast off it

Pete

 

[AntarcticPilot]

I think you'd need some quite serious lifting equipment to get the foot of the mast off it

Pete

I'm sure Jack Aubrey or Hornblower would manage it ISTR that they both set up jury rigs in the middle of both a storm and a battle , AND beat the French!

 

[Downsman]

I'm sure Jack Aubrey or Hornblower would manage it ISTR that they both set up jury rigs in the middle of both a storm and a battle , AND beat the French!

I remember it well, the Bosun, AB's and Midshipmen re-rigged the ship while the Galley Boy and ship's cat fought the French off..

 

[prv]

I'm sure Jack Aubrey or Hornblower would manage it ISTR that they both set up jury rigs in the middle of both a storm and a battle , AND beat the French!

Heh. The most we've done while I've been at sea is refitting a topgallant yard. Just took one of the mainmast gantlines to the aft mooring capstan and winched it up there. Bit of a cheat to use the powered capstan - we could easily have used a hauling team - but the capstan gives more precise control for the final inches into position.

The topgallant masts in theory are rigged to be sent down - there's a sheave for the heel-rope in the mast foot - but I'm pretty sure it's never been done, and would not be. They use a crane to get them down for refit.

Pete

 

[Clint]

All this talk of merriment and consumption of copious quantities of reviving liquids, how am I ever to get the old lady back in the water if all I do is appease the Gods. I'm sure a few more months on dry land won't hurt her, after all you mustn't upset the Gods, and if eating and drinking is what keeps them happy, who am I to complain!

 

[thalassa]

Our Parker 31 has a silvery coin (shilling?) gelcoat-embedded in the bilge, next to the keelbox. I suppose they where not too sure about the lifting mechanism?

 

[cliff]

Our Parker 31 has a silvery coin (shilling?) gelcoat-embedded in the bilge, next to the keelbox. I suppose they where not too sure about the lifting mechanism?

Nope, It just fell out of some poor workers pocket and landed in the wet gel coat - nothing to do with appeasing Neptune or Poseidon.