paul ron Posted October 29 #1 Posted October 29 (edited) im working on the flying fish 1851 clipper. i was wondering if a tarp was used over the steerage during storms? i guess it would be hung from the overhead boom and guyed out to the sides to create a canopy to keep the helmsman somewhat protected. what peaked my curiosity, when visiting ships in tourist areas, they always have a canvas canopy over the wheel area. it just makes sense. Edited October 29 by paul ron mtaylor 1 Quote
popeye2sea Posted October 29 #2 Posted October 29 Honestly, I don't think they would for several reasons. For example: Just one more thing to get blown out in a storm. The helmsman needs to be able to look up at the sails to make sure they are still drawing properly and not luffing. They were not concerned at all with creature comforts. No ship I ever served in, ever rigged a tarpaulin rain cover when underway. That is only rigged in port to give cover and shade to visiting landlubbers or dignitaries. Or when holding special events on board. Regards, Henry paul ron, mtaylor, wefalck and 1 other 3 1 Quote Henry Laissez le bon temps rouler ! Current Build: Le Soleil Royal Completed Build: Amerigo Vespucci
Solution paul ron Posted October 29 Author Solution #3 Posted October 29 (edited) yea just what i thought. but i know if it were me, id get one up pdq n work out how to see the sails too. thanks Edited October 29 by paul ron Quote
Jim Lad Posted October 29 #4 Posted October 29 Agree with Henry. Seafaring used to be an outdoor profession. John mtaylor, Jack12477 and Keith Black 3 Quote
Dr PR Posted October 30 #5 Posted October 30 If the wind is blowing even moderately strong the rain and spay would soak the bottom of such a tarp and everything under it! In fact, it could serve to channel the winds so it was wetter under the tarp than on open deck. In port awnings are raised to provide shade from the sun. They might serve as shelter from light rain only if it was not windy. paul ron and mtaylor 2 Quote Phil Current build: USS Cape MSI-2 Current build: Albatros topsail schooner Previous build: USS Oklahoma City CLG-5 CAD model
wefalck Posted October 30 #7 Posted October 30 They could even pose a danger, when blown away partly, as they could catch any crew on deck and sling-shot them overboard. In a storm, one would tie-down and furl everything that is not really needed in order to reduce wind resistance. Only small sails, if any, were set to keep the steering in the ship. An awning would have had the effect of turning the ship into the wind in a rather uncontrolled fashion. mtaylor and paul ron 2 Quote wefalck panta rhei - Everything is in flux
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