Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
good order - and therefore the smooth running of the ship - usually
suffered.
Most modern yachtsmen who have experienced long periods
at sea have stories to tell of how strains, tensions and personality
clashes almost inevitably arise. John Ridgway, for example, during
the 1977-8 Whitbread Race had difficulties on the Cape to Auckland
leg:
'F' troop under Bob are another handicap; as the oldest watch
they could have set an example, but instead they're a divisive influence.
Forty days is a long time at sea in such a small, cramped, confined
space.
Tom is trying to keep communications open with Bob, Noel, Roger
and J. C. There are mumblings that they will all get off at Auckland. I
would be delighted if I never had to see any of them again.
[After arriving at Auckland] Noel and Roger jumped off the boat
on to ADC Accutrac as soon as we were alongside, and hardly had their
feet touched the deck than they started chain-smoking.
I can well understand how Sir Francis Drake came to execute his
best friend on his voyage round the world!
12
It was on 20 May, when there were three days' provisions left
in the barrels, that Swan's men sighted Guam. Swan had been lucky:
the fresh ENE trades had brought his ships across the Pacific in fifty
days. It was one of the best crossings made up till that time.
Dampier kept a careful log, noting the daily course, the distance
travelled and latitude (calculated by astronomical observation or
dead reckoning). The conclusions he drew only serve to show how
inaccurate were the navigational methods available to seventeenth
century mariners:
