RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007

**Dave Sutton** · 1st August 2007, 21:32

Thanks guys!

One day I'll write up a list of what we put aboard to make EXPLORER suitable for these trips. Start with compressor, Haskell, K Bottles of 02, overboard 02 system, emergency stage gas, SSB Radio, Satphone, first aid kit sufficient to do surgery, emergency 02 kit, defib set, mooring ground tackle, equipment lines, tag lines, Zodiac, survival gear for the Zodiac, raft, ditch-bag, ad nauseum..... $10's of K's are invested to make it *right* as opposed to "OK". And still the Captain worries about what he may have forgotten......

When I see the smiling divers it's all worth it.

Dave

Jens Kallmeyer · 2nd August 2007, 11:41

Quote: (Originally Posted by Dave Sutton)

Thanks guys!

.....$10's of K's are invested to make it *right* as opposed to "OK".

Hey Dave,

you won't do it "right", you do it correctly....

having been on the boat several times last year and now reading this thread, I can see that you really worked hard to make the Explorer the perfect boat for this kind of diving. Can't wait to get back to RI

Jens

**Dave Sutton** · 2nd August 2007, 12:23

Quote: (Originally Posted by Jens Kallmeyer)

Hey Dave,

you won't do it "right", you do it correctly....

You are, naturally, quite *correct*, old friend.....

Looking forward to seeing you again, bring your rig, and we'll store it in the rebreather locker at the LDSOH with Holgers TR-300 for use when you are with us. And don't forget that your special stowage place for the AKA-60 still exists aboard EXPLORER.

For readers, Jens came aboard last summer with his rig (AKA-60) and could not find a decent spot to rack it among all of the doubles that were aboard that day. I came on deck with an electric drill, two padeyes, four screws, and a bungee and looked here and there, picked a spot on the top of the cabin, drilled four holes into the side of the cabin, screwed down the padeyes, and said "Jens, there's your spot".... Dunno any other boat that would do that!

Jens, the Dr. that was aboard during the "first trip" last year is in town again and wanted me to say "Hi" to you, so "Hi from the Doc".

Dave

TR300 · 3rd August 2007, 08:00

Hi Dave,

thanks a lot for the week I can stay on your exploration diving vessel EXPLORER.

Everything was perfect I feel myself the whole time safe and comfortable. A big thanks also to Mya for the excellent cooking.

Also many thanks to Joe, Mark and Al who are with us on the first trip and to Peter and Andrè for the help and maintanance on the Doria trip and also many thanks to Pete who dives with me (doing bubblechecks) and handle the line down at the Doria. Hope Pete's ellbow is healthy.

The fuse I got from the U853 is now cleaned and get a nice place at my diveshop

(It's still working after 62 years under the sea)

From the Doria I had no change to got anything, this wreck is realy big and like other reports I read it turns over the year in bad condition. Many of the upper decks are falling down and gone so orientation was not easy. Maybe next year I can find something interressting.

On The Brass I missed the entry so I just had a nice turn arround the bodyshape.

The seven dives I can do where great. Expect that I can also dive the U853 (because of the wheather conditions out of the Doria) so I had all seen what I want to see.

My TR300sc works the hole time as designed and got me save out of sea. Also the Shearwater GF did a great job and did the deco right.
The only thing I have to change is my drysuit, because I also got little water in. (on my left arm when holding fast the line)

I am looking forward the next year trip with the Explorer, Dave you have a perfect vessel.

Sorry for writing this report so late, but as I came back I had a lot to do in my business.

**Dave Sutton** · 3rd August 2007, 11:09

Thanks Holger, your bunk will be kept for you for next year. The fuse is a nice artifact from the U-853, I'm surprised it did not fail under depth charge attack. Next year we'll have an extra day (or two or three) on the Doria and we'll make a team plan for some brass windows.

I was re-running the trip over in my head as aI fell asleep last night, and remembered the oil: Over the wreck there's still a sheen on the water, and at anchor we see every few seconds a new bubble of oil hitting the surface and changing colors as it spreads out over the water. After 51 years she still bleeds....

Dave

gathan · 3rd August 2007, 23:55

I too can hardly wait for next year's trip. In the meantime, I'm spending three days divng the Roy A. Jodrey in the thousand Islands this week end. I had a nice long dive on her stern today trying to find my way into the ER, water temps was 72F on the bottom.

Andre

**Dave Sutton** · 4th August 2007, 00:42

Quote: (Originally Posted by gathan)

I too can hardly wait for next year's trip. In the meantime, I'm spending three days divng the Roy A. Jodrey in the thousand Islands this week end. I had a nice long dive on her stern today trying to find my way into the ER, water temps was 72F on the bottom.

Andre

Rub it in... the rest of us are back hard at work. 72 degree water:Bathing suit anyone?

Have a ball, by every report it's a fabulous wreck.

Dave

**fireman** · 4th August 2007, 01:18

To paraphase somebody next year on the Doria...Where do I send my deposit.

**Dave Sutton** · 4th August 2007, 14:43

Quote: (Originally Posted by fireman)

To paraphase somebody next year on the Doria...Where do I send my deposit.

Well: I was not going to publicize this just yet, but what the heck:

What we learned (actually just reinforced) is that when the Weather-Gods want you offshore they make it perfect, and when they want you to stay inshore they make it impossible. If you say "we're going to dive the Doria on July 22 and 23 of 2008"..... Good Luck.

So..................

EXPLORER is going to do (2) week long trips next year, loading out on Friday night and back the following Sunday "sometime". Nine, count 'em *9* possible days of wreck diving (or 18 if you do both trips... Ya-HOO!).

Agenda: We'll dive inshore for a day (U-853) no matter what for team-building excercises and gear shake-out, mid-shore for a day (SS Bass) to get everyone in fine-tune, and then do what the Gods allow. If it's nice we'll head offshore, and if not, we'll continue to dive inshore and midshore until the Gods are snoring and then we'll head offshore. When we are not offshore we'll overnight on Block Island and Montauk aboard EXPLORER and take shore-leave, re-water, etc.

Inshore targets are the U-853, L-8, Black Point, etc.

Midshore targets are SS Bass, Suffolk, Grecian, Acid Barge, etc.

Offshore targets are the Andrea Doria, Republic, and Norness.

We *will* get offshore during the trip, as over a 9 day period we'll have at least a few perfect days. Positioned at Montauk we're 9 hours to the Doria and 11 to the Republic. We can hit and run as WX allows.

One trip is already fully subscribed.... one trip is open. These are true Expedition trips, meaning that we don't have the luxury of bringing tourists who need their hands held, their gear handled, and their noses wiped. Everyone needs to be able and willing to work towards a team goal as per their own skill sets: Stand RADAR watch at night, Underway watch as needed, handle mooring tackle on the bow, do tie-ins as needed, fill cylinders, be a first aid asset, etc. I'll accept applications for team members and then we'll see how it all sorts out. I want guys who are not only good divers, but good hands, and (most importantly) good shipmates. We have the opportunity to build something very special here, a team that can continue to work together for many seasons in the future. These trips are just the beginning of my plans for EXPLORER.....

Dave

1st August 2007, 21:32	#11 (permalink)
Dave Sutton Diveshop of Horrors Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss MK 15.X rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Narragansett, Rhode Island and Hackettstown, New Jersey Posts: 2,719	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 Thanks guys! One day I'll write up a list of what we put aboard to make EXPLORER suitable for these trips. Start with compressor, Haskell, K Bottles of 02, overboard 02 system, emergency stage gas, SSB Radio, Satphone, first aid kit sufficient to do surgery, emergency 02 kit, defib set, mooring ground tackle, equipment lines, tag lines, Zodiac, survival gear for the Zodiac, raft, ditch-bag, ad nauseum..... $10's of K's are invested to make it right as opposed to "OK". And still the Captain worries about what he may have forgotten...... When I see the smiling divers it's all worth it. Dave __________________ "Silent Diving with No Bubbles and No Politics".... www.nobubblediving.com
(Offline)

2nd August 2007, 11:41	#12 (permalink)
Jens Kallmeyer New Member Current Rebreather/s: Other SCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other SCR Home Build Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: RI, US Posts: 55	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 Quote: (Originally Posted by Dave Sutton) Thanks guys! .....$10's of K's are invested to make it right as opposed to "OK". Hey Dave, you won't do it "right", you do it correctly.... having been on the boat several times last year and now reading this thread, I can see that you really worked hard to make the Explorer the perfect boat for this kind of diving. Can't wait to get back to RI Jens
(Offline)

2nd August 2007, 12:23	#13 (permalink)
Dave Sutton Diveshop of Horrors Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss MK 15.X rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Narragansett, Rhode Island and Hackettstown, New Jersey Posts: 2,719	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 Quote: (Originally Posted by Jens Kallmeyer) Hey Dave, you won't do it "right", you do it correctly.... You are, naturally, quite correct, old friend..... Looking forward to seeing you again, bring your rig, and we'll store it in the rebreather locker at the LDSOH with Holgers TR-300 for use when you are with us. And don't forget that your special stowage place for the AKA-60 still exists aboard EXPLORER. For readers, Jens came aboard last summer with his rig (AKA-60) and could not find a decent spot to rack it among all of the doubles that were aboard that day. I came on deck with an electric drill, two padeyes, four screws, and a bungee and looked here and there, picked a spot on the top of the cabin, drilled four holes into the side of the cabin, screwed down the padeyes, and said "Jens, there's your spot".... Dunno any other boat that would do that! Jens, the Dr. that was aboard during the "first trip" last year is in town again and wanted me to say "Hi" to you, so "Hi from the Doc". Dave __________________ "Silent Diving with No Bubbles and No Politics".... www.nobubblediving.com Last edited by Dave Sutton : 2nd August 2007 at 12:29.
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3rd August 2007, 08:00	#14 (permalink)
TR300 Holger Berghäuser Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Other SCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other CCR Dolphin Other SCR Home Build Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Weinheim, Germany Posts: 215	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 Hi Dave, thanks a lot for the week I can stay on your exploration diving vessel EXPLORER. Everything was perfect I feel myself the whole time safe and comfortable. A big thanks also to Mya for the excellent cooking. Also many thanks to Joe, Mark and Al who are with us on the first trip and to Peter and Andrè for the help and maintanance on the Doria trip and also many thanks to Pete who dives with me (doing bubblechecks) and handle the line down at the Doria. Hope Pete's ellbow is healthy. The fuse I got from the U853 is now cleaned and get a nice place at my diveshop (It's still working after 62 years under the sea) From the Doria I had no change to got anything, this wreck is realy big and like other reports I read it turns over the year in bad condition. Many of the upper decks are falling down and gone so orientation was not easy. Maybe next year I can find something interressting. On The Brass I missed the entry so I just had a nice turn arround the bodyshape. The seven dives I can do where great. Expect that I can also dive the U853 (because of the wheather conditions out of the Doria) so I had all seen what I want to see. My TR300sc works the hole time as designed and got me save out of sea. Also the Shearwater GF did a great job and did the deco right. The only thing I have to change is my drysuit, because I also got little water in. (on my left arm when holding fast the line) I am looking forward the next year trip with the Explorer, Dave you have a perfect vessel. Sorry for writing this report so late, but as I came back I had a lot to do in my business. __________________ If it makes bubbles it means its brocken Visit: www.tr300.com, Missions: www.rebreatherteam.de Last edited by TR300 : 3rd August 2007 at 08:53.
(Offline)

3rd August 2007, 11:09	#15 (permalink)
Dave Sutton Diveshop of Horrors Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss MK 15.X rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Narragansett, Rhode Island and Hackettstown, New Jersey Posts: 2,719	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 Thanks Holger, your bunk will be kept for you for next year. The fuse is a nice artifact from the U-853, I'm surprised it did not fail under depth charge attack. Next year we'll have an extra day (or two or three) on the Doria and we'll make a team plan for some brass windows. I was re-running the trip over in my head as aI fell asleep last night, and remembered the oil: Over the wreck there's still a sheen on the water, and at anchor we see every few seconds a new bubble of oil hitting the surface and changing colors as it spreads out over the water. After 51 years she still bleeds.... Dave __________________ "Silent Diving with No Bubbles and No Politics".... www.nobubblediving.com
(Offline)

3rd August 2007, 23:55	#16 (permalink)
gathan MixedGas Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other SCR Other Rebreather/s: Other SCR Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tottenham, Ontario, Canada Posts: 194	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 I too can hardly wait for next year's trip. In the meantime, I'm spending three days divng the Roy A. Jodrey in the thousand Islands this week end. I had a nice long dive on her stern today trying to find my way into the ER, water temps was 72F on the bottom. Andre
(Offline)

4th August 2007, 00:42	#17 (permalink)
Dave Sutton Diveshop of Horrors Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss MK 15.X rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Narragansett, Rhode Island and Hackettstown, New Jersey Posts: 2,719	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 Quote: (Originally Posted by gathan) I too can hardly wait for next year's trip. In the meantime, I'm spending three days divng the Roy A. Jodrey in the thousand Islands this week end. I had a nice long dive on her stern today trying to find my way into the ER, water temps was 72F on the bottom. Andre Rub it in... the rest of us are back hard at work. 72 degree water:Bathing suit anyone? Have a ball, by every report it's a fabulous wreck. Dave __________________ "Silent Diving with No Bubbles and No Politics".... www.nobubblediving.com Last edited by Dave Sutton : 4th August 2007 at 00:47.
(Offline)

4th August 2007, 01:18	#18 (permalink)
fireman rEvo combat swimmer Current Rebreather/s: rEvo Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: rEvo Other CCR Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: chicago Posts: 540	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 To paraphase somebody next year on the Doria...Where do I send my deposit. __________________ Heres to you Capt. Bill Never Forget, and stay safe everyone.
(Offline)

4th August 2007, 14:43	#19 (permalink)
Dave Sutton Diveshop of Horrors Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss MK 15.X rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Narragansett, Rhode Island and Hackettstown, New Jersey Posts: 2,719	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 Quote: (Originally Posted by fireman) To paraphase somebody next year on the Doria...Where do I send my deposit. Well: I was not going to publicize this just yet, but what the heck: What we learned (actually just reinforced) is that when the Weather-Gods want you offshore they make it perfect, and when they want you to stay inshore they make it impossible. If you say "we're going to dive the Doria on July 22 and 23 of 2008"..... Good Luck. So.................. EXPLORER is going to do (2) week long trips next year, loading out on Friday night and back the following Sunday "sometime". Nine, count 'em 9 possible days of wreck diving (or 18 if you do both trips... Ya-HOO!). Agenda: We'll dive inshore for a day (U-853) no matter what for team-building excercises and gear shake-out, mid-shore for a day (SS Bass) to get everyone in fine-tune, and then do what the Gods allow. If it's nice we'll head offshore, and if not, we'll continue to dive inshore and midshore until the Gods are snoring and then we'll head offshore. When we are not offshore we'll overnight on Block Island and Montauk aboard EXPLORER and take shore-leave, re-water, etc. Inshore targets are the U-853, L-8, Black Point, etc. Midshore targets are SS Bass, Suffolk, Grecian, Acid Barge, etc. Offshore targets are the Andrea Doria, Republic, and Norness. We will get offshore during the trip, as over a 9 day period we'll have at least a few perfect days. Positioned at Montauk we're 9 hours to the Doria and 11 to the Republic. We can hit and run as WX allows. One trip is already fully subscribed.... one trip is open. These are true Expedition trips, meaning that we don't have the luxury of bringing tourists who need their hands held, their gear handled, and their noses wiped. Everyone needs to be able and willing to work towards a team goal as per their own skill sets: Stand RADAR watch at night, Underway watch as needed, handle mooring tackle on the bow, do tie-ins as needed, fill cylinders, be a first aid asset, etc. I'll accept applications for team members and then we'll see how it all sorts out. I want guys who are not only good divers, but good hands, and (most importantly) good shipmates. We have the opportunity to build something very special here, a team that can continue to work together for many seasons in the future. These trips are just the beginning of my plans for EXPLORER..... Dave __________________ "Silent Diving with No Bubbles and No Politics".... www.nobubblediving.com
(Offline)

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