Inclining the Schooner "Lavengro"

The Schooner "Lavengro" is a classic gaff-rigged Biloxi Schooner. The Biloxi Schooner fleet once sailed the Gulf of Mexico harvesting oysters and shrimp. "Lavengro" was built in 1927 and is operated by the Northwest Schooner Society (http://www.nwschooner.org/) which uses historic ships to teach people about the history and operation of a classic sailing ship. It has been designated as the official Kitsap County "Tall Ship". Info on "Lavengro" can be found here: http://www.schoonerlavengro.com/

Since "Lavengro" carries passengers, it has to be certified by the Coast Guard. One of the requirements is to prove the stability of the vessel. This is accomplished by performing a test called a Inclining Test. This is simply placing weight near the rail of the vessel and see how far it heels (or leans) over. Calculations are prepared in advance and the amount of weight used and the maximum amount of heel is known in advance. The test is to verify the validity of the calculations.

"Lavengro" moors at the Brownsville Marina(where I moor my boat) and the port personnel used their work boat to move the weights on and off the deck of "Lavengro". A large group of "Lavengro's" crew and volunteer were on hand to help. The Coast Guard was on hand to witness the test and the local newspaper had a reporter and photographer to document the proceedings( http://www.kitsapsun.com/ ). I was there to watch and get in the way!

Nearly 7000 pounds of iron ingots were first loaded on deck evenly split between port and starboard sides. This was to simulate the weight of a full load of crew, passengers and provisions. This was to establish a "load line" that would indicate a full load. The weight was then removed from the port side and placed on the starboard side. With the full weight on the starboard side, the criteria was that the deck/hull intersection could not be underwater. This was to represent the load of the wind with the full complement of sails set.

When it was all done, "Lavengro" passed all tests satisfactorily.

Schooner "Lavengro" 63 feet overall length, 48 feet long on deck, 44000 pounds, 1370 square feet of sail area.

Loading the first bags of iron ingots onto the starboard side.
With half of the weight on the starboard side, "Lavengro" being moved to the other side of the slip to load the other half of the weight on the port side.

Loading weight on the port side.

Back to the starboard side, the total weight of nearly 7000 pounds loaded on deck.

The maximum heel with all the weight (and two men) on the starboard side.

Maximum heel.

Maximum heel.

Unloading the weight.

With most of the weight removed, "Lavengro" sitting more upright.