TUSCALOOSA, AL – SEPTEMBER 29: Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to the sidelines for the play call against the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Alabama’s backup quarterback, Jalen Hurts, has made it clear this week that any talk of him transferring out of the Crimson Tide’s program is premature.The dual-threat quarterback has one season of eligibility remaining and most expect him to play that season elsewhere. Hurts, though, pointed out to reporters this week that he’s yet to discuss a potential transfer. All of the transfer talk has come from the media.Transfer talk isn’t going away, of course.Hurts is starting quarterback-caliber player and, probably, would want to start in his final season in 2019.Where might Hurts end up if he does transfer?Two major programs have been named potential options.Sirius XM College Sports radio host Jason Horowitz and Sports Illustrated’s Andy Staples discussed two major programs as potential options earlier this month.“He will wind up on a team with a good roster,” Staples said. “He’ll have a good supporting cast. Put Jalen Hurts in the right offense and he can put up some really good numbers. I say Oklahoma, because look, Austin Kendall was the backup and he’ll be the presumed favorite to win the starting job next year.But if the guy was the SEC freshman player of the year couple years ago was interested in coming, that would be an interesting spot because Lincoln Riley has been really good with quarterbacks. (And) if Justin Herbert leaves Oregon, I would imagine Mario Cristobal, who was involved in Jalen Hurts’ recruitment …. (sic).”For now, though, Hurts and Alabama are set to take on Oklahoma.The Crimson Tide and the Sooners are set to kick off at 8 p.m. E.T.The game will be on ESPN.
Tag: Laine
Cruise the Galapagos Islands in Style Aboard this Historical Luxury Yacht
Quasar Expeditions/FacebookThere are plenty of great ways to cruise the Galapagos Islands. It’s an unforgettable trip of a lifetime, no matter what ship you’re sailing aboard. But, if you’re heading to the land of Darwin and giant tortoises anyway, why not do it in the utmost style? One classic vessel has luxury, panache, and a royal and military history unlike any other. The best part: You can book a cabin right now.The 147-foot M/Y Grace boasts one of the most fascinating histories of any ship, not just in the Galapagos Islands, but in the world as a whole. She began life simply as Monica in the late 1920s in Southampton, England, under the ownership of Jacques “Santiago” Soulas, a Franco-Argentine tycoon. Over the next decade, the ship would change hands several times before being acquired in 1939 by the British Royal Navy to patrol the area around the Isle of Wight. The newly-named Rion was stripped of her elegance, structurally hardened, and outfitted with hardcore military weaponry. Twin Oerlikons (a.k.a. “Kamikaze Killers”) were mounted astride the bridge, a 12-pound rapid-fire guy was affixed to the forecastle, and a stern rack was added to hold 300-pound depth charges.The ship was decommissioned after World War II, rechristened HMS Noir, and returned to her original builders, Camper & Nicholson International. The team worked hard in the ensuing years to refurbish the ship as a pleasure craft. In 1951, Greek shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis, bought the ship, rechristened her Arion, and kept her in his stable of toys for several years. She was ultimately gifted as a wedding present to Prince Rainier and Princess Grace (Kelly) of Monaco. They hosted an array of lavish parties with some of the world’s most illustrious guests (Winston Churchill among them) before parting with her in 1958.Decades on, the ship would travel throughout the eastern United States and the Caribbean under numerous banners and owners. She was purchased in 2007 by Quasar Expeditions who, in a thoughtful nod to the princess, rechristened her the M/Y Grace. The company spent two full years retrofitting and restoring the ship to her former glory. Under the new banner, and with a healthy dose of modern comfort amenities in place, the ship now sails exclusive routes to and through the Galapagos Islands.The roughly 25 guests on each eight-day sailing are free to explore Ecuador’s famous islands amid the stately elegance of a bygone sailing era. Every interior space is awash in rich wood paneling and flooring, custom tufted seating, and plush fabrics. Even the ship’s original wheel has been returned with the inscription “Deo Juvante” (the former name).The ship’s diminutive size belies a host of creature comforts, including an intimate main saloon, a sun deck, a wine cellar, and an alfresco dining space. Quasar’s commercial director, Eduardo Diez Jr., notes, “It is probably now one of the most sought-after products in the archipelago.” It’s easy to see why.As of October 2017, adventurous, well-heeled travelers can book one of two unique itineraries aboard the M/Y Grace directly through Quasar Expeditions. Off-season rates in the fall of 2018 start at USD $5,600 per person (which covers almost every aspect of the eight-day trip less international airfare and domestic transfers). Although, we recommend splurging on the Grace Kelly Suite — the cabin where the Monegasque royalty honeymooned — with an all-in rate of USD $8,900. If you’re a hotshot willing to really open his wallet, you can charter the whole boat for you and 17 of your closest friends for just north of USD $125,000.Feature image courtesy of Quasar Expeditions/Facebook. Editors’ Recommendations There’s Never a Bad Time to Visit Whistler, the Four-Season Outdoor Playground The Opus OP15′ Is a Tricked-Out, Off-Road-Ready Travel Trailer Sip On the Original Stormtrooper Beer While You Wait for the Next Star Wars Movie Spectacular Failures Tells the Story of Businesses That Went Very, Very Wrong 8 Best Rums for Piña Coladas