A week from today, Dorade’s quest to repeat her 1931 Transatlantic Race victory will kick off with the start of the 2015 Transatlantic Race in Newport, R.I. What follows is an excerpt from Dorade’s logbook* on July 6, 1931, two days into her last 2,800 mile race.
Throughout the 2015 race we will be sharing excerpts from the collection. Stay tuned!
(Above) Dorade’s Logbook from the 1931 Transatlantic Race (Photo Courtesy of Mystic Seaport)
The Log of Dorade: Transatlantic Race, July 6, 1931
12:00am: Wonderful phosphorescence. Clear coco for all hands….
2:00am: Wind backing – HEADED FOR ENGLAND AT LAST!
10:00pm: Clear wonderful night. Phosphorescence. Bank of clouds to the N.W. Baby porpoise playing around our wake…
*The log is part of the Roderick Stephens (Jr.) manuscript collection at the G.W. Blunt White Library, Mystic Seaport. It includes data of time, course, wind, barometer, temperature, average speed, and sails set and doused, it also contains remarks and anecdotes regarding the crew’s life at sea.
“We wish Dorade and her crew the best of luck. We hope you set the pace for the race and most of all, that you are first!!” — Carol Mowrey, Research Librarian, Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea