Reefing a sail is employed when a ship’s exposure to heavy winds needs to be controlled. Reefing a mainsail allows for improved performance and stability in rough weather. The sail’s reef points are the sturdy ties that secure the unused portion of the sail material to the boom. These reef points increase helm visibility and prevent the foot of the sail from flopping about uncontrollably. Skilled sailors rely on a ship’s reefing system to ensure a controlled and safe sail no matter the conditions.
2 min read
100 Objects: A History of the Navy
We as a species are fascinated with the past. It’s a curious characteristic of mankind. Our history is something that delivers information, entertainment, and a sense of identity and community. But as intellectually oriented as humans are, oral stories and written descriptions only satisfy our curiosity to a certain point. Nothing brings history to life more than physical remnants of days gone by. Artifacts that we examine with our senses, provide credibility to what might otherwise be dismissed as myth or embellishment. We are drawn to the tangible and often fragile connections to our past like magnets.
2 min read
USNA Tailor Shop
Famous quotes rarely come from cowboys, but cowboy-turned-actor, Will Rogers, seemed to have a comprehensive understanding of the human psyche. One of his more well-known quips is, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”.
