Chapter 106 Trial Navigation
The weather is very clear, the blue sky and the ocean are connected in the distance, white clouds are dotted in the clear sky, and the sea breeze with a touch of salty flavor blows slowly, making people feel relaxed and happy. .
This is a good day for a walk or picnic on the beach, and there are indeed many people gathered on the shore of Fulang Port, most of them are residents of the town, including fishermen, businessmen, and Woman holding child.
But they did not gather here for walks and picnics. Most of them were staring at the sea to the west, exclaiming in admiration or discussing in twos and threes from time to time.
On the distant sea, a ship that can be said to be strange in the eyes of the locals is sailing quickly.
This strange ship has no oars and is only more than 20 meters long according to visual inspection. A long bowsprit extends from the front, like a sharp sword piercing the front. There is only one mast installed backward on the deck. In front of the mast Four triangular sails were propped up together with the bowsprit. Two horizontal sails were hung on the top of the mast, and a huge longitudinal sail was propped up behind the mast. From a distance, it looked like the dorsal fin of a shark when it was swimming on the water.
This is the Throop boat that has just been built by the shipyard. Its unique shape creates a different kind of beauty. People on the shore are attracted by her heroic appearance.
"Hahaha! I love this beauty so much!"
On the deck of Slupe's ship, the former pirate leader Quirk shouted excitedly. In this test, he Entrusted with the important task of operating the steering wheel, Paul designed the Pollard rudder system consisting of pulleys and cables according to his memory. The shipwrights installed this steering device on the Sloop boat according to the schematic diagram. Now it only needs one person to turn it. The steering wheel on the deck makes it relatively easy to adjust the rudder.
Under Quaker's operation, the Sloop ship constantly changed its direction, sometimes sailing in a straight line, sometimes making circles on the vast sea.
Of course, because it is a sailboat, the sailors' efforts and cooperation are essential. They must adjust the sails according to the wind direction in time so that the power of the boat does not disappear.
There are more than a dozen people on the deck of Throop's ship, including shipyard director Rubin, old shipwright Benjamin, and "Navy Commander" Austin.
Rubin looked excited, Master Graiman's model was finally made into reality.
Benjamin had tears in his eyes. His long-cherished wish for many years finally came true today. Although the ship was still small, it was just the beginning. Count Grayman had promised him to build a newer ship. Big sailing ship.
Because it was a trial run for a new ship, they had a galley behind them to fish out people just in case.
The wind was strong today. At this time, the Sloop boat could reach a speed of more than ten knots. The galleys were able to accompany it easily at first. However, after half a day of trial sailing, as the oarsmen's strength ran out, and Quick's unfettered operation that day gradually failed to keep up with the Slupe boat.
Some sailors made various faces or made strange noises towards the galley that was far behind, and the deck was very lively.
Among this group of overly excited people, Austin was the only one who remained calm, holding his hands on his chest as if thinking about something.
At this time, a sailor holding a telescope shouted to him: "There is a signal from the shore, let us go back immediately."
Austin immediately shouted an order: "Go back!"
Quick muttered depressedly: "I haven't had enough fun yet..."
But these few months of military life have made him dare not disobey orders. As the steering wheel turned, the Slupp boat sailed. Turn around and head towards the shipyard port.
......
After more than two months, Paul came to Port Fulan again.
Accompanying him were several directors of the Government Affairs Council including Hansel, Chief of Staff Schroeder, Minister of Equipment Kelly, Minister of Logistics Ron, and two female consultants, Betty 'And Ladi, many people want to take a look at the new ship the Earl talks about.
After greeting the mayor and others at the city gate, he led the people straight to the shipyard.
When he arrived, the Throop boat had already sailed out for a trial run.
You can’t blame others for not waiting for him. He gave the order himself: just give him a letter after the ship is built, and then everything will go according to the planned plan. You don’t have to wait for him to go over before starting the trial voyage. .
Time is very tight and any delay in progress will not be tolerated.
It happened that the Kent family temporarily canceled their plan to launch a war, so he rushed over after receiving the news and brought 20 naval artillery pieces.
When he saw the silhouette of the sailboat on the distant sea, he was extremely excited and couldn't wait to go up and see it for himself. He asked the people who stayed on the shore to send a return signal, and soon the Sloop ship sailed towards the shipyard's port.
......
"Lord Grayman!"
Austin saluted Paul with a standard military salute.
Paul smiled and returned the salute to him: "Thank you for your hard work, Commander."
Austin said modestly: "Where, the hardest ones are Director Rubin and Master Benjamin."
"Haha, I will never forget these two heroes."
As Paul said, he shook hands tightly with the two people next to Austin and thanked them.
“I also want to thank you, sir!” Old Benjamin held Paul’s hand and didn’t let go for a long time.
Paul teased him: "Master Benjamin, I will let you build ships here from now on, as long as you don't feel too tired."
Benjamin said repeatedly: "Don't feel too tired, don't feel too tired. Why are you tired?"
Then Paul patted Rubin on the shoulder: "Let's go, Mr. Supervisor, take me to the ship for a tour."
Rubin said proudly: "Lord Greyman, I can't wait to show you this ship. You will definitely fall in love with her."
After boarding the Throop ship, Paul visited every part carefully. Feel very satisfied.
He asked: "Everyone, does this beauty have a name?"
Rubin said: "Sir, this ship is of great significance, and only you are qualified to name her!"
>This flattering was really cool, Paul smiled and said: "Then I'm welcome."
Paul thought hard about what name could make this ship more attractive.
In the end, he had to think secretly: "Oh! I really have no talent in naming. Forget it, it's true that it's ordinary."
"I have decided!" Paul pointed his finger at the sea and shouted loudly: "Name this ship 'Hope'. She represents our hope of conquering the sea!"
"Pa! Bang! Bang!” People around him applauded.
Austin shook his head and said: "As expected of Mr. Grayman, the name 'Hope' is apt."
Director Rubin also nodded and said: "It is indeed true, Earl. Every name you choose has such a profound meaning.”
After hearing his subordinate’s words, Lord Earl suddenly felt a surge of pride in his heart.
He waved his hand: "You must continue to build new dry docks and expand the production capacity of the shipyard. We are going to build big! Build big!"
Austin, Rubin, Benjamin and others were overjoyed after hearing this!
(End of this chapter)