In the Andamans and Nicobars: The Narrative of a Cruise in the Schooner "Terrapin"

In the Andamans and Nicobars: The Narrative of a Cruise in the Schooner "Terrapin"

The TerrapinCrewItinerary of the CruiseDaily RoutineProvisions and SuppliesCollecting ApparatusGunsShootingPath-makingClothingHead-dressA Scene in the TropicsNative IndolenceAttractive Memories. The Terrapin, captain and owner Dr W. L. Abbott, is a Singapore-built teak schooner of 40 tons register and 67 tons yacht measurement. She is 65 feet long on the water-line, and 16 feet broad, and has been given an almost box-shaped midship section, partly to afford sufficient inside space for the ballast (iron), but principally with the idea that when she takes the ground she may not heel to any uncomfortable extent. The draught is 7 feet, but two years' experience has proved that this is too much for the class of cruising she is engaged in. The crew are berthed forward, and aft is a large hold where tanks containing about 3 tons of water, supplies, cables, etc., are stored. A large raised trunk hatch about 2 feet high covers the central third of the boat, leaving 3-feet gangways on either side. This structure affords ample head-room below, and gives coolness and abundant ventilation by means of windows which open all round it. Sailing in the tropics, with the thermometer constantly standing at 84 or so in the shade, necessitates for any comfort a very different arrangement from what would be fitting at home. Whenever possible, the boat, while anchored, is covered with awnings from stem to stern. Under the hatch are a large saloon, two cabins, pantry, etc. [Pg 2]The crewfive ordinary seamen, a serang (boatswain), and sailing-masterare Malays; for natives are far more satisfactory in nearly every way on a small boat in the tropics than white men, even if the latter could be obtained. They can put up with more restricted quarters, are less inclined to grumble under the peculiar circumstances, or be disobedient, are more at home in every way in the surroundings and with the people one meets, are little trouble to cater for, and, most important of all, keep in good health and can stand the sun. A Chinese "boy" and cook are also carried. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 36545
Author: Kloss, C. Boden (Cecil Boden)
Release Date: Jun 28, 2011
Format: eBook
Language: English