16/07/2012 2:58 pm
Heard a quick blurb this morning that the Str. PORTLAND was involved in another small incident this past weekend involving her backing into another vessel. I worry that given their track record she may not be doing anymore special trips as she has done in the past. Sad because it would be neat to ride her.
Aaron
16/07/2012 3:24 pm
Here's a video of the incident that was posted on Youtube: Pirate Ship vs Sternwheeler. Video from Brent Violette - YouTube!
16/07/2012 9:33 pm
Here's a nice news piece on the incident. Glad no one was hurt and its nice to see the guy whose boat got hit is understanding. I just hope they don't stop the Str. Portland from going out anymore. The big problem I see is that she rarely ever leaves the dock and therefore no one is used to how to handle her.
Having been on that boat a couple times I can tell you she's about the size of the Belle of Louisville, but with engines equivalent to the Delta Queen, she's a very responsive boat and with 7 rudders, I would imagine handles very well. They should consider hiring some former DQ pilots to come handle her when they do take her out, it may improve their track record. I bet Capt Finley would love to take a crack at her!
Sternwheeler backs into pirate ship at Oregon festival | OregonLive.com
16/07/2012 10:34 pm
The Str. PORTLAND as a Movie Star.
I greatly enjoyed touring the PORTLAND in July, 1997 while visiting in Oregon. She had been out the previous day and the lovely, sweet aroma of hot oil and steam was still prevalent in her engine room.
As many probably know, the PORTLAND plays a starring role in the 1994 movie "Maverick", featuring James Garner, Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster. A special exhibit of photos and props from the movie production was set up aboard the boat and I later bought a small bell that was used on deck. The movie is available on DVD. The Oregon Maritime Museum -- across the street from the landing -- is very nice and houses a number of excellent models of Columbia and Willamette River sternwheelers.
17/07/2012 10:10 pm
Um...Captain, Pirate Boat!
Sheesh. I could miss a pirate boat!