On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:33:41 -0500, katy
wrote:

What's the big black boat across the fairway in the picture?

That is a "Junk". The inverted commas are because it is really just a
semi-traditional hull with a big engine and junk type fully battened
sails. It is a day cruise charter boat and is quite successful, going
out nearly every day with, say 10 - 30 passengers.

The sails are only for show, they haul them up in the morning and they
are small enough that in any wind short of a hurricane they can stay
up and not impede the boat which motors all the time.

Apparently it is quite a good trip as I have heard the tourists coming
off the boat enthusing over what a nice day they have had.

Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)