all quiet on the Pacific front
Panulirus
CR and KN Williams
Wed 1 Apr 2009 19:55
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3.53N 80.23W
1/4/09
Yesterday we actually sailed for 12hrs with
10-12kts initially dead ahead. We elected to turn inshore and sail upwind hoping
to catch a West going current 3 days later. In the event the wind dropped at 9pm
last night so we're back on the engine but at least we're going where we're
going. Despite all the fuel polishing the water separator sight glass was half
full of filthy grey muck.
We're well out the shipping lanes now and seen only
3 boats in 36hrs.
Keith
Contrary to popular opinion, this trip to Tahiti is
not just an extended holiday on my part. Rather it is the opportunity
to test and if necessary explode some sacred cows (whilst of course mixing
plenty of metaphors). This boat is a floating laboratory, a hive of scientific
experiment, and Panulirus will no doubt one day be mentioned in the same
breath as the Beagle. I am in the process of researching whether the water
does in fact go down the plug-hole in the opposite direction when you cross
the equator. (If somebody back home can research whether I quailfy for any
academic grants for this research - possibly amounting to a first class upgrade
on my way home - I'd be most grateful.) Early experiments are proving
inconclusive. At first I was confident that the kitchen (sorry, galley)
sink was draining anti-clockwise. But my
funnel seems to drain clockwise. Sometimes it drains with no vortex at all and
sometimes it is clearly influenced by the way the water is spinning before
draining. I intend to develop a a stable system which yields consistent results
before we hit the equator. I must return to my studies. Bye for
now.
Professor Guido
Keith's new high definition camera is to be used to
flm the conclusive experiments..The sun is shining, the sea is blue and this is
very different from any trips we've made before. The Pacific is living up to its
name but probably has some tricks in store.
Hopefully the wind (all 5 knots) will turn S. and
then S.E soon.
Clare
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