Thanksgiving Meal

[Michigan Sailor]

Back in the 80's the ship I was on had 3 guys on watch in the engine room and it was a given that at anytime there was to be some hard partying that at least one of us had to be sober when we had the watch. Scary thought now.....

[G Schweitzer]

How did this thread turn into this…?

I was on the Armco back in 1990 in late December. A couple of deckhands that been together the entire season were having some sort of a disagreement. One of them tossed the other guys stuff out one of the forward portholes onto the ice in the slip at the Torco dock. A lot clothes and other stuff was spread out all over the ice. Quite a sight to see.

[DavidFrank]

In 1999 I had a cook chase me with a meat cleaver. Fortunately, he only hit the paint can I used as a shield. He was so drunk I don't know if he even remembered anything. The next day, as punishment, the captain made him apologize to me.

[hayhugh2]

I remember coming back to the boat in Lorain and all the Police cars headed down to the dock. Seems the Watchman was chasing the Mate around the Windless Room with a fire ax.

[Randy S]

I seem to remember a while ago that there was an incident where a crew member was drunk and was chasing another crew member with a knife. .

Sounds like what happened aboard the McKeeSons in '74 while in Superior.

[Brent]

All US ships are dry and has been that way for probably better then 20 years. That said I am sure that there are those that still smuggle beer and other beverages aboard. I don't know about now, but depending on the Master they usually didn't go looking unless someone caused a problem. I know of a couple ships where as long as you were sobor for your watch not too much was said, but the rew had a rule between themselves that no drinking for 4 hours prior to your watch. I seem to remember a while ago that there was an incident where a crew member was drunk and was chasing another crew member with a knife. Don't remember the ship though. After the no drinking rule went into effect some of the more hard core indulgers would drink Listerine, Aqua Velva, Sterno and orange juice,and Vanila and Lemon Extract. I even heard of a Chief that had a still in the boiler room. If you did a good job on your watch sometimes the Chief would offer you a drink after your watch.

[Guest]

Are all U.S. boats 100% dry today?

Yes.

[Ludington Rob]

Are all U.S. boats 100% dry today? In the past, they were not.

[Brent]

I remember in the good old days that there would be cigars, cigarettes, wine, and beer . Then some idiot got drunk and fell overboard and drown and that ended the beer and wine. Most of the crew had a glass or two of wine and a beer after dinner and that was it, but there always has to be someone to ruin it for everyone. Happy Thanksgiving to all Boatnerds and our brothers and sisters still out sailing. God Bless.

[hayhugh2]

Thanksgiving dinner is always one of the special meals served on the Lakes. The weather is changing for the worse. You don't know if you are going to still be out on Christmas and you are missing family and friends. The Galley always makes a special effort and the crew usually takes up a collection for them. No unnecessary is done on that Holiday.

[Randy S]

Wow - That is quite a spread. I remember having one cook (term used very loosely) that served turkey roll - the pressed & formed substance that tastes something like the real thing - for Thanksgiving. He said that he couldn't get a real turkey. Amazingly, every other boat in the fleet managed to have turkeys and prime rib.

[MichaelB Detroit]

Wow!

You guys ate really well. Just one question please. After a meal like that, how is anyone expected to be able to go back to work?

;-)

[MN Boater]

Wow, you guys ate good! What a spread!!

[Boatguy2]

I attached a pic of our menu on the Oberstar, hope it's big enough to read

[Ludington Rob]

What is the Thanksgiving menu likely to contain on board the boats in 2012? I have seen some menus from the past but don't recall seeing anything current. Thanks.