Yesterday's question (26th) immediately caused me to smile and chuckle😊😀
A few years ago I ran across the vessel in question on Pinterest while looking for some detail info on my Southampton tug. Based on the cartoon tug a full size version for tourist trips, in Halifax I believe, has also been built.
Struck by the amusing superstructure I started thinking of building a mini Springer type version, or perhaps converting my plastic Revell Harbour Tug kit.
Got as far as building a 7" hull and selecting motor, prop, mini electronics and battery to squash into it (or the Revell kit) - then life got in the way🤔 Hope to finish it, and maybe a 'regulation' 18" version, next spring!!
Cheers, Doug 😎

25th Dec: Which instrument is used to determine the angle between the horizon and a celestial body such as the Sun, the Moon, or a star, to determine latitude and longitude?

A. Compass (0%)
B. Binnacle (1%)
C. Sextant (99%) - Correct Answer
D. Chronometer (0%)

Only 6 questions left!

Stephen

24th Dec: What is the name of the worlds first nuclear power aircraft carrier?

A. USS Enterprise (88%) - Correct Answer
B. USS Nautilus (6%)
C. USS Constitution (3%)
D. USS Missouri (3%)

USS Enterprise (CVN-65), formerly CVA(N)-65, is now a decommissioned United States Navy aircraft carrier. She was the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the eighth United States naval vessel to bear the name.

Latest stats by country;

1. 93.5% New Zealand
2. 84.6% Spain
3. 83.7% Germany
4. 76.9% United Kingdom
5. 76.5% United States
6. 75.9% Australia
7. 75.8% Ireland
8. 69.6% Hungary
9. 66.3% Canada
10. 63.2% France
11. 60.0% South Africa
12. 48.2% Netherlands
13. 45.0% Sweden
14. 36.4% Finland
15. 31.8% Norway

New Zealand, Spain & Germany still top of the board, Australia has slipped down to 6th from 4th, with the UK & US taking 4th and 5th. Norway now trails, with Sweden up 2 places!

We've 320 members taking part across 26 countries. 3317 entries and 2500 correct answers.

The quiz continues to the end of the month, so it's not too late. Winners will be announced on the 1st of Jan.

Merry Christmas to you all!
Stephen

I am pleased to say that with todays question I have done enough to stay in Hungary for another year. I have now unpacked and the border force guard at my gate has gone home.
I hear that inflation has meant that I have to reach a minimum of 60% correct answers next year so Stephen, please be kind.
Peter.😬😃

23rd Dec: Venetian gondolas are required to be painted what colour?

A. Bronze (3%)
B. Teak (3%)
C. Navy Blue (4%)
D. Black (90%) - Correct Answer

While in previous centuries gondolas could be many different colours, a sumptuary law of Venice required that gondolas should be painted black, and they are customarily so painted now. The gondola has existed in Venice since the 11th century, being first mentioned by name in 1094.

Another 'No brainer' today (24th) Peter!
I have a massive kit of the vessel in question😉
Good luck👍
Doug😎

We need a few of those Doug so that I can stay in Hungary. I have had to guess several this year with moderate success. One more correct answer and the border force will not remove my status and send me home.😬😬

Another 'No brainer' question today (23rd)!
Venice! A wonderful city to visit, when not jam packed in the summer🤔
Living in Munich Venice is 'only' a few hours down the road, as long as the Brenner pass is not one huge traffic jam then it can take all day.☹️

A less mundane way to get there we discovered while holidaying in Porec in Croatia.
The Adriajet water jet powered catamaran. Very exhilarating 29+ knots across the Adriatic.
Vid clip shows coming into Venice passed the Doge's Palace etc.
Had to reduce the definition to squeeze it onto the site🤔
To view download file to your device (click on white arrow in top left corner) and open with your usual .mp4 viewer.
Cheers, Doug 😎
PS Attached pics of the catamaran coming alongside in Porec harbour.

22nd Dec: In the cartoons, what is the name of Popeye's arch-enemy?

A. Brutus (21%)
B. Bluto (77%) - Correct Answer
C. Blotto (0%)
D. Bronco (2%)

Another one to argue out in the comments 😁 Brutus is kind of right as they did briefly use that name to avoid a copyright claim that was later found to be false, between 1960 to 1962. Mostly he was known as Bluto though, a cruel, bearded, muscular bully who serves as Popeye's nemesis. He usually uses brute force and/or trickery to accomplish his various goals. His voice is very loud, harsh and deep, with an incomprehensible bear-like growl between words and sentences.

Bluto, like Popeye, is enamored of Olive Oyl, and he often attempts to kidnap her. However, with the help of some spinach, Popeye usually ends up defeating him. Some cartoons portray Popeye and Bluto as Navy buddies, although in these episodes Bluto usually turns on Popeye when an object of interest (usually Olive) is put between them.

BTW Stephen,
Re Port & Starboard socks!
Should I happen to be drawn out of the hat as a winner 😉
don't send me the socks but draw another name.
Nerys was kind enough to send me a pair some years ago.😊
Cheers, Doug😎

Wonderful to see where the entries are coming from😀
All corners of the world😮
Next we'll be getting entries from the Antarctic Expedition camps and the ISS!!
Keep 'em coming shipmates.
Cheers, Doug😎

Hola Julio,
You don't have to wait for a newsletter.
Open the MB Website Home page and you'll see the current question at the top.
Just log in if you want to answer it.
Buena suerte🤞
Doug😎

Hi, Model boats:
I am very sorry, gentlemen of Model Boat Website... I did not receive the newsletter of December 20...
My soul is sad, very sad for not being able to complete the Quiz...

In the cartoons, what is the name of Popeye's arch-enemy?

In the 1933 'comic strip' it was xxxxxxxx
until August 1957, being the last of the 125 Famous shorts in the series.

But in the 1960s Cartoon his name was changed,
Popeye cartoon released between 1960 and 1963 with 220 episodes produced.

21st Dec: Which class of Royal Navy submarine is armed with Britain's nuclear deterrent, Trident?

A. Astute-class (9%)
B. Trafalgar-class (7%)
C. Dreadnought-class (11%)
D. Vanguard-class (73%) - Correct Answer

The Vanguard class is a class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) in service with the Royal Navy. The class was introduced in 1994 as part of the Trident nuclear programme, and comprises four vessels: Vanguard, Victorious, Vigilant and Vengeance, built between 1986 and 1999.

Stephen

Popeye would come on every weekday at 5:00 p.m. I was preempted by the Mickey Mouse Club. Then he would be on in the Saturday morning cartoons.

I did notice the other name, but used the one heard most.

This Popeyes question brings back childhood memories….tho you may get flack as he was also called another name on the list at times ….lol never dull …😊👍

BG

Just went thru the whole thread, we’re keeping score??!?! I’d better start goog…I mean studying harder!!😂
Cash

Hi Doug. I don’t like canned spinach, but I’ll use fresh baby spinach on a sandwich in lieu of lettuce..it does well in pasta sauces too!!
Cash

The 'Popeye Village', specially built for the film on Malta's rocky north west coast.
Visited some years ago, all wonky and quirky built, BUT with some excellent fish restaurants and crazy bars😋😉
Must dig out my photos and vids some time (several PCs ago🤔)
Great swimming and snorkelling in the little bay, but I HATE spinach😝
"I'm Popeye the sailor man - Toot toot"!
😎

One lives and learns Stephen!
At least my 'educated' guess was near the mark😁
Got interested in following RNLI activities when my parents started voluntary work for them at the Eastbourne station, which was about 200m from their house. They ended up running the RNLI souvenir shop on Eastbourne sea front. Dad (rtd RAf Officer) was awarded a medal and certificate for his efforts but the real driving force was Mum - as ever😉
Cheers, Doug😎

Welcome back Hilly😉
Watcha bin up 2?
Greetings, Doug 😎

20th Dec: The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) currently has how many lifeboat stations in the UK & Ireland?

A. 187 (2%)
B. 237 (84%) - Correct Answer
C. 353 (7%)
D. 401 (7%)

I noticed their website actually now quotes 238 lifeboat stations. Seems that since this quiz was put together there’s a brand new one that has opened in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland.

Stephen

Thank you Stephen. The border force have said that they will keep an eye on the quiz to make sure I stay above 50%.
I have started packing.😬

Hi shipmates,

18th Dec: Changing course to face towards the wind is refered to as what?

After some checking looks like.

'Harden up' - Turn towards the wind; sail closer to the wind.

http://www.deepbluesea.training/nautical-terms3.html#:~:text=Harden%20up%20-%20Turn%20towards%20the,salted%20provisions%20for%20daily%20use.

Not 'Hardening Up'
Am I being too pedantic not letting people read the correct question.😂

Sorry, no offence intended, great quiz good fun, controversial!

Regards Roy

Hungary is in 9th place. I heard the deportation threshold was 50% or less, so you best stay focused! 🤣

1. 91.7% New Zealand
2. 81.8% Spain
3. 80.0% Germany
4. 75.8% Australia
5. 75.1% United Kingdom
6. 74.1% Ireland
7. 72.6% United States
8. 64.6% Canada
9. 63.2% Hungary
10. 58.3% South Africa
11. 50.0% Netherlands
12. 50.0% France
13. 38.9% Finland
14. 37.5% Sweden
15. 29.4% Norway

Stephen

Please can you tell me where Hungary lies in the table. I am the only entrant from here and have 12 out of 19 correct. This is more than 50%. There is now a serious risk that I will be deported for mid- representation.😬😬
Peter.

19th Dec: The Marie Celeste was discovered adrift and deserted in what year?

A. 1857 (4%)
B. 1864 (7%)
C. 1868 (7%)
D. 1872 (82%) - Correct Answer

Mary Celeste was an American-registered merchant brigantine discovered adrift and deserted in the Atlantic Ocean off the Azores Islands on December 4, 1872. The Canadian brigantine Dei Gratia found her in a disheveled but seaworthy condition under partial sail and with her lifeboat missing. The last entry in her log was dated ten days earlier. She had left New York City for Genoa on November 7 and was still amply provisioned when found. Her cargo of alcohol was intact, and the captain's and crew's personal belongings were undisturbed. None of those who had been on board were ever seen or heard from again.

Latest country scoreboard below.

91.5% New Zealand
81.8% Spain
80.0% Germany
75.8% Australia
75.1% United Kingdom
74.1% Ireland
72.4% United States
64.6% Canada
44.4% Netherlands
37.5% Sweden
29.4% Norway

Germany back in 3rd place, Ireland down to 6th and Norway now trails behind with Sweden jumping up 10 points!

Stephen

Hi:
I´m participating in this Qwiz for fun, but I must admit that there are too many mistakes, bad statements and invalid answers... the same, we love you very much!!

I agree with merchant67👍

Ref today's question ...
Strictly speaking the answer should be "None of the above".
Coz the name of the real ship was Mary Celeste, originally Amazon when launched.
Marie Celeste was the the name of a fictional ship in a Conan Doyle novel.
Popularity of his stories seems to have distorted history!
Cheers All and Merry Christmas, Doug 😎

The question suggests two possibly correct answers; “Changing course to face towards the wind is refered to as what?”

Changing course implies continuing of the forward progress of the object not stopping it. If the desired result of changing course is stop the forward movement then the question should indicate it.

My opinion 🧐

Possibly as 50% of those answering thought Heave to was correct😂😂😂😂

18th Dec: Changing course to face towards the wind is refered to as what?

A. Hardening Up (41%) - Correct Answer
B. Falling Off (7%)
C. Heave To (50%)
D. Lash Down (2%)

This may be a controversial one as Heave To also involves turning towards the wind, but the objective is to stop the vessel rather than to just change course.

Am I being tight not letting people have Heave To? 😂

Stephen

17th Dec: What was the name of Captain Cook's first ship?

A. HMS Victory (1%)
B. HMS Beagle (16%)
C. HMS Endeavour (78%) - Correct Answer
D. HMS Bounty (5%)

HMS Endeavour was a British Royal Navy research vessel that Lieutenant James Cook commanded to Australia and New Zealand on his first voyage of discovery from 1768 to 1771.

Stephen

16th Dec: Which ship is not operated by Greenpeace?

A. Arctic Sunrise (3%)
B. Rainbow Warrior (13%)
C. Polar Explorer (74%)- Correct Answer
D. Witness (10%)

Polar Explorer is not a ship operated by Greenpeace.

Witness: Is the newest and greenest vessel in the Greenpeace fleet. At 22.5 metres long, it is also the smallest and, due to a lifting keel and rudder, is able to navigate shallow waters that are inaccessible to larger ships. Built in 2003 in South Africa and previously known as Pelagic Australis, the Witness was launched in Greenpeace colours in 2021 and embarked on its first campaign operations in early 2022 following a green refit, which included improvements such as solar panels, wind turbines and an optimised power management system.

Rainbow Warrior: Greenpeace has sailed with the name Rainbow Warrior since 1978. The current sailing ship has been patrolling the world's oceans since 2011.

Arctic Sunrise: Designed as an icebreaker, the Arctic Sunrise has witnessed the wonders of the coldest places on Earth. The Arctic Sunrise has been part of the Greenpeace fleet since 1995 when she took her first trip to the North Sea to document marine pollution by oil from offshore installations. Since then, she has been all over the planet, including the Congo, the Amazon and most recently to a three-month expedition to the Antarctic to conduct scientific research on biodiversity in the region.

Stephen

15th Dec: A clockwise shift in the wind direction, is called what?

A. Backing (9%)
B. Swerving (3%)
C. Swooping (3%)
D. Veering (85%) - Correct Answer

Veering means a wind shift to the right when facing the wind. A north wind veers when it shifts to the northeast, a southwest wind veers when it shifts to the west. The reverse of this is called Backing.

Latest country stats:

91.7% New Zealand
83.3% Spain
81.8% Ireland
78.1% Germany
76.7% United Kingdom
74.5% Australia
74.3% United States
65.8% Canada
46.2% Netherlands
30.8% Norway
27.3% Sweden

No change in the top 2, but Ireland has overtaken Germany for 3rd place, the UK has overtaken Australia, the Netherlands has past Norway and Sweden has unfortunately got worse...

Half way through, still 15 questions to go before we reveal the winners!

Thanks everyone for taking part. A little fun during the festive period!

Stephen

14th Dec: Which animals on a ship bring good luck?

A. Cats (69%) - Correct Answer
B. Rats (5%)
C. Dogs (2%)
D. Parrots (24%)

Cats are nature’s best rodent control. These apex predators evolved from defending food stores from pests and ridding ships of vermin that might otherwise threaten the crew’s food supply, ropes, woodwork, grain cargo, and sailors’ very health, as rats were known to spread a plethora of diseases, including the black plague.

Additionally, Polydactyl cats were thought to be extra lucky. These cats have extra toes caused by a genetically inherited trait called polydactylism. Because of their extra toes, they were top-notch mousers, climbing higher and faster than regular felines. In fact, many sailors believed they were also able to maintain better balance upon the high seas.

Stephen

13th Dec: A mixture of rum, water, lemon juice, and sugar was the drink of choice for pirates, what is it called?

A. Giggle Juice (1%)
B. Punch (7%)
C. Poison (3%)
D. Grog (89%) - Correct Answer

Hopefully today will bring some good luck to you all. If you have the right animal around you that is...

Stephen

Let’s hope that the statistician’s calculations improve or the nerds will revolt. Hungary has 13 entries with 7 correct. This gives a statistic of a little over 50%. The Hungarian authorities will cut my internet off if I don’t improve my performance.😬

I must be one of those stats nerds.

Our (NZ's) position in the table might be something to do with NZ only 270,000 sq kilometres, but 15,000 km of coastline, 9th largest in the world. And current holders of the Americas Cup.😀

12th Dec: A 'Gale' in the Beaufort Scale is classified as wind between what speeds?

A. 11-16 Knots (4%)
B. 22-27 Knots (9%)
C. 34-40 Knots (78%) - Correct Answer
D. 41-48 Knots (9%)

A 'Gale' is 34-40 knots, moderately high (18-25 ft) waves of greater length, edges of crests begin to break into spindrift, foam blown in streaks.

11-16 Knots: Gentle Breeze
22-27 Knots: Strong Breeze
34-40 Knots: Gale
41-47 Knots: Strong Gale
48-55 Knots: Storm

For the stats nerds; we've now 1,626 entries, of which 1,191 were correct, across 280 unique members.

For the countries with multiple members taking part;

New Zealand is currently in the lead with 92.3% correct entries. Well done New Zealand!

92.3% New Zealand
80.0% Spain
78.3% Germany
76.5% Ireland
76.4% Australia
74.8% United Kingdom
74.6% United States
61.5% Canada
37.5% Norway
33.3% Netherlands
28.6% Sweden

Sweden, you need to get your act together 😁

Hope you're all having fun.

Prizes will be PORT & STARBOARD SOCKS with a huge thanks to Nerys for helping out with the prize fund 🎁

Stephen

11th Dec: The international shipping industry is responsible for transporting what percentage of the worlds goods?

A. 60% (1%)
B. 70% (8%)
C. 80% (24%)
D. 90% (67%) - Correct Answer

The main transport mode for global trade is ocean shipping: around 90% of traded goods are carried over the waves.

Stephen

10th Dec: What does the term 'POSH' stand for?

A. Porthole Outer Safety Handle (5%)
B. Pair of Sailing Hatches (1%)
C. Probability of Severe Hail (2%)
D. Portside Out Starboard Home (92%) - Correct Answer

Ocean voyages between Britain and India, the most desirable cabins - the ones that didn't get the afternoon heat - were on the port side out and on the starboard side home. These luxury tickets were supposedly stamped with the letters POSH.

Day 12 now! Still many more questions to go. We've over 250 members joining in. Think we'll have at least 20 winners, so good luck!

Stephen

Well brace yourself for some punchy questions to come that’ll Beaufort you away. Don’t miss any Clews or you’ll be left adrift and run out of food after some months.

Follow the Venetian stars, you know what to use, and check the names of your crew, you’ll not want any nuclear luck or someone will be walking the prop.

Let’s hope a friendly tug will endeavour to veer you back on course before you witness a rainbow sunrise.

Good luck!

From Captain Tim, Tuggy, Toby the cat and the fat rat 🐀

😁👍

I must have been over egged yesterday as I dropped a clanger on the daily question. It left me feeling rather blue but not for long; the following days question got me out of the bilges and left me feeling full of beans and ready to blunder on with the remaining questions.😀😁

9th Dec: What is the name for the lowest part of a boat, inside the hull, where water collects?

A. Anchor Locker (0%)
B. Bilges (100%) - Correct Answer
C. Tide Divide (0%)
D. Pulpit (0%)

Everyone got that one correct. Well done to all!

Stephen

8th Dec: Which phrase originated at sea?

A. Over Egged (5%)
B. Full of Beans (6%)
C. Dropped a Clanger (42%)
D. Feeling Blue (47%) - Correct Answer

Feeling Blue: This phrase comes from the tradition of flying blue flags and painting a blue band around the ship's hull if a captain or senior officer had died while at sea. Consequently, the colour blue became associated with feeling sad.

Dropped a Clanger: The word clanger is simply British slang for a blunder and refers to a mistake whose effects seem to "clang" or ring out. The root of clanger - clang - stems from the Latin "clangere" and Greek "klange" meaning to resound or ring. "Everyone drops a clanger now and then. After all, we're just human."

Full of Beans: The phrase full of beans seems to have come into popular use in the mid-1800s and is attributed to a practice of feeding beans to horses as fodder. Supposedly, horses that were fed beans were more energetic and lively.

Over Egged: It originated as a simple literal phrase alluding to the way that baked foods may be spoiled by using too many eggs.

Easier one today... 😀

Stephen

Apropos 'Chilly bottom' ...
Winter 'draws' on 😁
😎

7th Dec: The pipes that run along the keel of a boat to provide cooling for the engine are called what?

A. Keel Coolers (81%) - Correct Answer
B. Underside Duct (5%)
C. Chilly Bottom (2%)
D. Thermal Bypass (12%)

A keel cooler is a closed-circuit cooling system mounted externally on the vessel's hull below the waterline. The concept of keel cooling is similar to the application of a radiator on a car. Engine coolant is circulated through the keel cooler, which transfers heat from the coolant before it returns to the engine.

Most people got it correct 👍

Stephen

6th Dec: Which is the fastest direction to sail around the world?

A. Northward (2%)
B. Eastward (48%) - Correct Answer
C. Southward (23%)
D. Westward (27%)

Most world-record contenders choose to sail eastward due to the stronger and more predictable winds and currents that push eastward in the Southern Hemisphere.

Majority got it right, even if there was some Googling and it could be open to discussion 😁

On to engine cooling today!

Stephen