BilgeRacc
@bilgeracc.bsky.social
Sentient mariner raccoon that got his hands on internet access. For a cookie or two I'll leave the bilges to talk about ships or nautical history.
Pinned
BilgeRacc
@bilgeracc.bsky.social
· Jan 15
Ahoy!
My name is Barley. I'm a nautical enthusiast and amateur educator, which are just words to say I like boats a lot and talking about them. This page will be dedicated to that endeavour, with an aim more at late 17th century to early 20th century history.
My name is Barley. I'm a nautical enthusiast and amateur educator, which are just words to say I like boats a lot and talking about them. This page will be dedicated to that endeavour, with an aim more at late 17th century to early 20th century history.
Reposted by BilgeRacc
This is kind of where I stood in the election in 2024. I told people, go vote, this matters, this might be the last shot you have at exercising that will, but all I got back was "Harris would be worse".
I don't think she'd have launched a war on Greenland.
I don't think she'd have launched a war on Greenland.
I think the disconnect between Atlantic elites is that Americans think Donald Trump is a kid getting to drive a monster truck for Make A Wish and Europeans and Canadians think Donald Trump is the president of the United States.
January 15, 2026 at 12:37 AM
This is kind of where I stood in the election in 2024. I told people, go vote, this matters, this might be the last shot you have at exercising that will, but all I got back was "Harris would be worse".
I don't think she'd have launched a war on Greenland.
I don't think she'd have launched a war on Greenland.
I have a longer piece I did on Bark Marques. Should I post it here? It'll cover a lot especially with text limitations here but it was fun to do even with what little info was available.
January 11, 2026 at 2:18 PM
I have a longer piece I did on Bark Marques. Should I post it here? It'll cover a lot especially with text limitations here but it was fun to do even with what little info was available.
news.usni.org/2026/01/01/r...
Seems like the Trump-class is being pushed up to Congress for review. The report is brief, 3 pages, and covers potential issues for Congress to consider. Give it a read, mateys.
#news #maritime #navy #USNavy #naval #military #maritimenews
Seems like the Trump-class is being pushed up to Congress for review. The report is brief, 3 pages, and covers potential issues for Congress to consider. Give it a read, mateys.
#news #maritime #navy #USNavy #naval #military #maritimenews
Report to Congress on BBG(X) Battleship Program - USNI News
The following is the Dec. 30, 2025, Congressional Research Service report, Navy Guided Missile Battleship (BBG[X]) Program: Background and Issues for Congress From the report On December 22, 2025, the...
news.usni.org
January 2, 2026 at 6:59 PM
news.usni.org/2026/01/01/r...
Seems like the Trump-class is being pushed up to Congress for review. The report is brief, 3 pages, and covers potential issues for Congress to consider. Give it a read, mateys.
#news #maritime #navy #USNavy #naval #military #maritimenews
Seems like the Trump-class is being pushed up to Congress for review. The report is brief, 3 pages, and covers potential issues for Congress to consider. Give it a read, mateys.
#news #maritime #navy #USNavy #naval #military #maritimenews
Okay so apparently these are official release specs.
Completely ignoring the fact battleships as a platform are just obsolete to begin with, I genuinely don't know how they plan to power this and get 30+ kts out of it with a gas powered engine. Bro what.
#naval #navy #maritime #battleship #news
Completely ignoring the fact battleships as a platform are just obsolete to begin with, I genuinely don't know how they plan to power this and get 30+ kts out of it with a gas powered engine. Bro what.
#naval #navy #maritime #battleship #news
December 23, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Okay so apparently these are official release specs.
Completely ignoring the fact battleships as a platform are just obsolete to begin with, I genuinely don't know how they plan to power this and get 30+ kts out of it with a gas powered engine. Bro what.
#naval #navy #maritime #battleship #news
Completely ignoring the fact battleships as a platform are just obsolete to begin with, I genuinely don't know how they plan to power this and get 30+ kts out of it with a gas powered engine. Bro what.
#naval #navy #maritime #battleship #news
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Interesting piece of maritime news, though one I'd say I'm not fond of.
DOD plans to build a new class of warships, specifically ones they call battleships, to bolster the US' lagging naval fleet and to compete with China. Trump-class, they're called.
Continued below.
Interesting piece of maritime news, though one I'd say I'm not fond of.
DOD plans to build a new class of warships, specifically ones they call battleships, to bolster the US' lagging naval fleet and to compete with China. Trump-class, they're called.
Continued below.
Donald Trump unveils new class of battleships named after himself - BBC News
The US president has vowed to revive American shipbuilding after lagging behind China in naval capacity.
www.bbc.com
December 23, 2025 at 11:08 PM
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Interesting piece of maritime news, though one I'd say I'm not fond of.
DOD plans to build a new class of warships, specifically ones they call battleships, to bolster the US' lagging naval fleet and to compete with China. Trump-class, they're called.
Continued below.
Interesting piece of maritime news, though one I'd say I'm not fond of.
DOD plans to build a new class of warships, specifically ones they call battleships, to bolster the US' lagging naval fleet and to compete with China. Trump-class, they're called.
Continued below.
Reposted by BilgeRacc
December 20, 2025 at 12:53 PM
I'd be a poor maritime account if I did not acknowledge the significance of today.
It's the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.
I'm currently on a hitch so I can't drink, but if you can, toast one to the 29 men that didn't make it home that night.
Here's to you, gents.
It's the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.
I'm currently on a hitch so I can't drink, but if you can, toast one to the 29 men that didn't make it home that night.
Here's to you, gents.
November 10, 2025 at 6:35 PM
I'd be a poor maritime account if I did not acknowledge the significance of today.
It's the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.
I'm currently on a hitch so I can't drink, but if you can, toast one to the 29 men that didn't make it home that night.
Here's to you, gents.
It's the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.
I'm currently on a hitch so I can't drink, but if you can, toast one to the 29 men that didn't make it home that night.
Here's to you, gents.
Close enough, welcome back Age of Sail. 😭
Jokes aside the Neoliner Origin seems a really cool vessel, even if it's a ro-ro. I dunno if it will be effective but it's nice to see an attempt to be environmentally conscious. Plus she looks pretty. Not paying $7000 for a passenger ticket tho.
Jokes aside the Neoliner Origin seems a really cool vessel, even if it's a ro-ro. I dunno if it will be effective but it's nice to see an attempt to be environmentally conscious. Plus she looks pretty. Not paying $7000 for a passenger ticket tho.
October 31, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Close enough, welcome back Age of Sail. 😭
Jokes aside the Neoliner Origin seems a really cool vessel, even if it's a ro-ro. I dunno if it will be effective but it's nice to see an attempt to be environmentally conscious. Plus she looks pretty. Not paying $7000 for a passenger ticket tho.
Jokes aside the Neoliner Origin seems a really cool vessel, even if it's a ro-ro. I dunno if it will be effective but it's nice to see an attempt to be environmentally conscious. Plus she looks pretty. Not paying $7000 for a passenger ticket tho.
Man why doesn't this site save drafts??😭
Had a whole thing typed up about the other vessel I saw, clicked out of the app for one second to double check a piece of information, opened the app again and everything I typed was deleted. Dome straight bullshit, man. I guess I'll try again in a bit augh.
Had a whole thing typed up about the other vessel I saw, clicked out of the app for one second to double check a piece of information, opened the app again and everything I typed was deleted. Dome straight bullshit, man. I guess I'll try again in a bit augh.
October 29, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Man why doesn't this site save drafts??😭
Had a whole thing typed up about the other vessel I saw, clicked out of the app for one second to double check a piece of information, opened the app again and everything I typed was deleted. Dome straight bullshit, man. I guess I'll try again in a bit augh.
Had a whole thing typed up about the other vessel I saw, clicked out of the app for one second to double check a piece of information, opened the app again and everything I typed was deleted. Dome straight bullshit, man. I guess I'll try again in a bit augh.
Ahoy shipmates! I come bearing more mildly interesting maritime history for you! Recently I was in St. Louis and had the opportunity to see two neat wrecks, one Naval and the other civilian. We'll focus on the Navy's first since it's more interesting, then do the other another day.
October 21, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Ahoy shipmates! I come bearing more mildly interesting maritime history for you! Recently I was in St. Louis and had the opportunity to see two neat wrecks, one Naval and the other civilian. We'll focus on the Navy's first since it's more interesting, then do the other another day.
Pretty late to the party on this but the full official MIR (Marine Investigation Report) for the Titan submersible incident by the NTSB is published. Provided is the link to read it: www.ntsb.gov/investigatio....
I'll be looking over it myself and seeing how it differs from the USCG's report.
I'll be looking over it myself and seeing how it differs from the USCG's report.
www.ntsb.gov
October 21, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Pretty late to the party on this but the full official MIR (Marine Investigation Report) for the Titan submersible incident by the NTSB is published. Provided is the link to read it: www.ntsb.gov/investigatio....
I'll be looking over it myself and seeing how it differs from the USCG's report.
I'll be looking over it myself and seeing how it differs from the USCG's report.
Been awhile! Decided to show off a boat I saw swinging by the levee. Here's the scuttlebutt on her.
The *American Heritage*, originally named the *Queen of the Mississippi* is a paddlewheel river cruise boat that entered service in 2015, so she's pretty new.
The *American Heritage*, originally named the *Queen of the Mississippi* is a paddlewheel river cruise boat that entered service in 2015, so she's pretty new.
October 8, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Been awhile! Decided to show off a boat I saw swinging by the levee. Here's the scuttlebutt on her.
The *American Heritage*, originally named the *Queen of the Mississippi* is a paddlewheel river cruise boat that entered service in 2015, so she's pretty new.
The *American Heritage*, originally named the *Queen of the Mississippi* is a paddlewheel river cruise boat that entered service in 2015, so she's pretty new.
A raccoon managed to sneak its way aboard my vessel. I wish I was able to get photos of the lil guy.
September 26, 2025 at 4:24 AM
A raccoon managed to sneak its way aboard my vessel. I wish I was able to get photos of the lil guy.
More news. Also somber.
Work has begun on breaking down the SS United States for sinking. As of yesterday, they have started to remove her funnels, one of which will be preserved in a museum for the ship situated in Florida.
Hurts to see her go. To really see it.
Work has begun on breaking down the SS United States for sinking. As of yesterday, they have started to remove her funnels, one of which will be preserved in a museum for the ship situated in Florida.
Hurts to see her go. To really see it.
August 7, 2025 at 2:55 AM
More news. Also somber.
Work has begun on breaking down the SS United States for sinking. As of yesterday, they have started to remove her funnels, one of which will be preserved in a museum for the ship situated in Florida.
Hurts to see her go. To really see it.
Work has begun on breaking down the SS United States for sinking. As of yesterday, they have started to remove her funnels, one of which will be preserved in a museum for the ship situated in Florida.
Hurts to see her go. To really see it.
Ahoy! News!
The USCG had released their Report Of Investigation regarding the implosion of the Titan submersible on June 18th, 2023. The report itself is about 330-ish pages long and pretty intensive, as these reports tend to be.
Here's a link to any interested:
media.defense.gov/2025/Aug/05/...
The USCG had released their Report Of Investigation regarding the implosion of the Titan submersible on June 18th, 2023. The report itself is about 330-ish pages long and pretty intensive, as these reports tend to be.
Here's a link to any interested:
media.defense.gov/2025/Aug/05/...
media.defense.gov
August 6, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Ahoy! News!
The USCG had released their Report Of Investigation regarding the implosion of the Titan submersible on June 18th, 2023. The report itself is about 330-ish pages long and pretty intensive, as these reports tend to be.
Here's a link to any interested:
media.defense.gov/2025/Aug/05/...
The USCG had released their Report Of Investigation regarding the implosion of the Titan submersible on June 18th, 2023. The report itself is about 330-ish pages long and pretty intensive, as these reports tend to be.
Here's a link to any interested:
media.defense.gov/2025/Aug/05/...
The amount of folks I've seen in the naval/maritime history sphere that have a name that starts with "B" is almost beyond coincidence. Are we like...compelled to do it because our names start with the same letter as "boat"?
It's a nautical conspiracy I tell ya.
It's a nautical conspiracy I tell ya.
July 31, 2025 at 2:58 AM
The amount of folks I've seen in the naval/maritime history sphere that have a name that starts with "B" is almost beyond coincidence. Are we like...compelled to do it because our names start with the same letter as "boat"?
It's a nautical conspiracy I tell ya.
It's a nautical conspiracy I tell ya.
I'm supposed to be sleeping but I recently started a new book ("The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder" by David Grann) and in my reading I was led to musing about marine chronometers.
Like look at the jump from the first major iteration by John Harrison to his last (1735 to 1772).
Like look at the jump from the first major iteration by John Harrison to his last (1735 to 1772).
July 30, 2025 at 2:54 PM
I'm supposed to be sleeping but I recently started a new book ("The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder" by David Grann) and in my reading I was led to musing about marine chronometers.
Like look at the jump from the first major iteration by John Harrison to his last (1735 to 1772).
Like look at the jump from the first major iteration by John Harrison to his last (1735 to 1772).
Been a minute since I've been on deck, but that's nothing new. Decided to share the Kickstarter for a game I'm really interested in: Ahoy!
I kicked em a few doubloons so if this interests any of you, why toss them a few yourself!
Cheers!
@kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/cap...
I kicked em a few doubloons so if this interests any of you, why toss them a few yourself!
Cheers!
@kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/cap...
Ahoy - First-person multicrew Age of Sail game!
A multiplayer voyage to the 1780s - Cooperate with friends to explore the vibrant history of the West Indies.
www.kickstarter.com
July 14, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Been a minute since I've been on deck, but that's nothing new. Decided to share the Kickstarter for a game I'm really interested in: Ahoy!
I kicked em a few doubloons so if this interests any of you, why toss them a few yourself!
Cheers!
@kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/cap...
I kicked em a few doubloons so if this interests any of you, why toss them a few yourself!
Cheers!
@kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/cap...
Hey shipmates, long time no see. I show back up again for some news. Specifically, maritime news!
Unfortunately, it is sad news. The legendary ocean liner MS Stockholm has been officially sold for scrap in Gent, at about €200,000 to a single bidder.
www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/20...
Unfortunately, it is sad news. The legendary ocean liner MS Stockholm has been officially sold for scrap in Gent, at about €200,000 to a single bidder.
www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/20...
Legendary cruise ship Astoria to be scrapped in Ghent | VRT NWS: news
The cruise ship Astoria, one of the oldest passenger ships in the world, will soon be scrapped and recycled in the port of Ghent. The ship became world famous after a fatal collision in 1956.
www.vrt.be
June 20, 2025 at 4:44 AM
Hey shipmates, long time no see. I show back up again for some news. Specifically, maritime news!
Unfortunately, it is sad news. The legendary ocean liner MS Stockholm has been officially sold for scrap in Gent, at about €200,000 to a single bidder.
www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/20...
Unfortunately, it is sad news. The legendary ocean liner MS Stockholm has been officially sold for scrap in Gent, at about €200,000 to a single bidder.
www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/20...
About a day late but such is the way for my work!
Morning rises and passes on the 11th, with Titanic pulling into Cork Harbour, Queenstown, close to noon. Much like Cherbourg, they can't dock the large ship and resort to tenders. Here 123 passengers would board, and 7 would depart.
Morning rises and passes on the 11th, with Titanic pulling into Cork Harbour, Queenstown, close to noon. Much like Cherbourg, they can't dock the large ship and resort to tenders. Here 123 passengers would board, and 7 would depart.
April 12, 2025 at 5:24 AM
About a day late but such is the way for my work!
Morning rises and passes on the 11th, with Titanic pulling into Cork Harbour, Queenstown, close to noon. Much like Cherbourg, they can't dock the large ship and resort to tenders. Here 123 passengers would board, and 7 would depart.
Morning rises and passes on the 11th, with Titanic pulling into Cork Harbour, Queenstown, close to noon. Much like Cherbourg, they can't dock the large ship and resort to tenders. Here 123 passengers would board, and 7 would depart.
Around noon today, BST, on April 10th the RMS Titanic would leave her port in Southampton to begin what would be her very first, and last, voyage. With 699 crew and 920 passengers, she would cast her moorings to sail off on a windy day, unaware of the grim fate that would soon befall her.
April 10, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Around noon today, BST, on April 10th the RMS Titanic would leave her port in Southampton to begin what would be her very first, and last, voyage. With 699 crew and 920 passengers, she would cast her moorings to sail off on a windy day, unaware of the grim fate that would soon befall her.
Sorry for the delays the three of you that look at my boat posts. Been busy with actual progress in my maritime career and other life shit so my autistic special interest has had to take a backseat. I do have something for tomorrow (practically today) so hopefully that's enough.
Fair winds, mates!
Fair winds, mates!
April 10, 2025 at 4:51 AM
Sorry for the delays the three of you that look at my boat posts. Been busy with actual progress in my maritime career and other life shit so my autistic special interest has had to take a backseat. I do have something for tomorrow (practically today) so hopefully that's enough.
Fair winds, mates!
Fair winds, mates!
Sorry I've been inactive for awhile. Been busy, had my birthday to celebrate, and a host of other shit. I promise I haven't forgotten my dear shipmates. In fact, I come with a gift: boat history! For Black History Month, we're going to go through some pivotal naval history. Let's begin!
February 26, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Sorry I've been inactive for awhile. Been busy, had my birthday to celebrate, and a host of other shit. I promise I haven't forgotten my dear shipmates. In fact, I come with a gift: boat history! For Black History Month, we're going to go through some pivotal naval history. Let's begin!
As of two days ago, the SS United States has been towed from her port in PA to begin her journey of being taken to Mobile, Alabama where she will be sunk in the Florida Gulf to become an artificial reef.
The United States was at one point the fastest liner in the world. Sad to see this be her fate
The United States was at one point the fastest liner in the world. Sad to see this be her fate
February 21, 2025 at 10:13 AM
As of two days ago, the SS United States has been towed from her port in PA to begin her journey of being taken to Mobile, Alabama where she will be sunk in the Florida Gulf to become an artificial reef.
The United States was at one point the fastest liner in the world. Sad to see this be her fate
The United States was at one point the fastest liner in the world. Sad to see this be her fate
On this day, in 1779, the Duc de Duras was given to John Paul Jones to command by King Louis XVI as part of a loan to the newly formed Continental Navy, subsequently being renamed the USS Bonhomme Richard in honor of Benjamin Franklin. The history of this ship, and its captain, we will dive into.
February 4, 2025 at 6:07 PM
On this day, in 1779, the Duc de Duras was given to John Paul Jones to command by King Louis XVI as part of a loan to the newly formed Continental Navy, subsequently being renamed the USS Bonhomme Richard in honor of Benjamin Franklin. The history of this ship, and its captain, we will dive into.