S28
regular
Reged: 19/09/2002
Posts: 4112
Loc: South Coast
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We approached this test with some trepidation, as docking errors with 113 thousand tonnes could easily result in an unplanned expansion of the port.
Fortunately, the skipper seemed to have the measure of his joystick, and powerful bow and stern thrusters kept everything under control.
The skipper started out by running through the emergency drills. In the case of a "general alarm", everybody would immediately return to their cabin and adopt formal dress.
The harbour authority Brass Band turned out to celebrate the collection of the short stay mooring charges.
...and finally we were off. With a comfortable cruising range of 400 miles a day, you can expand your horizons somewhat.
As we travelled north, we couldn't help notice that the locals seemed to be quite keen boaters too. Some were happy to bob around gently in port, munching canapes and sipping wine (too expensive to gulp).
Others were happy to plod along.
Some tried to overtake...
...but they were improperly dressed.
Others tried to use their outdrives as hydrofoils, with varying degrees of success.
Our test schedule did have some slack in it, allowing for a few rest stops.
We saw waterfalls that moved.
And some that didn't.
Short finger berths meant that we had to be careful at some destinations. We got the impression that the original designers might have had smaller craft in mind. Again, bow and stern thrusters, plus long lines, saved the day.
We were again somewhat shocked by the beer prices here, as we had to leave behind two lifeboats in exchange for four Coronas.
There appeared to be minor issue with the electronics on board, in that the estimates of sea state seemed a little optimistic at times.
Despite that, the stabilisers worked well, and there was no noticeable slamming when driving upwind at 20kts, although there was a fair amount of spray generated off the forward windward sections.
In conclusion, not the prettiest craft afloat, but a capable, quiet, and comfortable long distance cruiser, especially suited to the long haul.
dv.
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Kawasaki
regular
Reged: 21/06/2004
Posts: 4461
Loc: Anglesey Wales
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That was Ace
Ventura and other boats looked good too.
So.
Come on.
Where and when ?
"The Band turned out to celebrate the mooring fees etc etc" 
Good piccies interesting, Ta!
--------------------
Jerk of all trades. Expert in none.
Plus Don,t do serious, lifes too short.
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Kawasaki
regular
Reged: 21/06/2004
Posts: 4461
Loc: Anglesey Wales
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OK I know which Country but name the 'Places' innit
--------------------
Jerk of all trades. Expert in none.
Plus Don,t do serious, lifes too short.
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spannerman
regular
Reged: 30/11/2002
Posts: 1042
Loc: Stavanger, Norway
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I remember seeing the ship in harbour as the cruise ships turn around just a
100m from our marina and reverse into Stavanger harbour, its pretty tight when you have an RCL ship and Queen Vic and another in at the same time,good to see my (new)country reported on favourably though (except the prices)!
Nice shots of Stavanger and Bergen, I recognise most of the quays having visited them myself.
It really is a boaters paradise up here as those who make the journey know, so welcome one and all.
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curve
regular
Reged: 09/02/2008
Posts: 985
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You forgot the obligatory wake shot.:p
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Argonautical
regular
Reged: 20/05/2007
Posts: 715
Loc: North Bedfordshire
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Wondered where you had been Dave..............looks like you had a great time!
Jas.
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davedpc
regular
Reged: 21/11/2003
Posts: 669
Loc: reading&upperhamble
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Great report. Swimbo and me were on board and went for a paddle on the small lake at the bottom of the glacier.How the captain got the ship under the road bridge in Bergen without soiled trousers i will never know as there was only about 2 meters to spare.At 115,000 tons it would have made quite a mess.
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S28
regular
Reged: 19/09/2002
Posts: 4112
Loc: South Coast
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Quote:
OK I know which Country but name the 'Places' innit
Time = Last week.
Places = Bergen, Olden, Flaam, Stavanger.
dv.
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B175Chris
regular
Reged: 06/06/2006
Posts: 6130
Loc: B'ham + Port Grimaud
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Excellent pictures, espescially the fourth one from the bottom!
--------------------
I think you'll find it goes without Sailing
"Les Freres Heureux?"
"The Happy Brothers! It's homey, but just hard enough to pronounce to intimidate the riff-raff!"
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mjf
regular
Reged: 18/06/2003
Posts: 2055
Loc: w.london - boat on solent
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Nice pix.
Shes 116,000 GROSS tonnes which is a capacity / volume measure.
Usually ships are measured in dwt ie how much cargo stores and fuel/water etc they can carry.
This 'baby' is 8500dwt which is surprising low for such a hulk.
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