Re: Coriolus Effect

hlg@pacbell.net
Mon, 26 Jul 1999 16:53:38 -0700


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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>Against my better judgement, I went sailing at Chatfield Reservoir
>(Colorado) on Sunday, a sunny and hot day. I took my nephew out sailing for
>the first time. I figured he was lighter than my wife which made it easier
>to hoist him up the mast to adjust the wind vane. However, the chop was
>incredible. All the power boats and PWC's have to go counter clockwise
>around the basin and cause monstrous chop, which made the hoisting endeavor
>impossible. I noted that the boats were moving in the direction opposite of
>the Coriolus currents. Would having them go in the other direction reduce
>the chop?

By opposing the Coriolus effect, the boats may actually be reducing the
chop. If they went in the same direction they could make it worse.

<snip>

>So to ease the tension on these crowded weekends I am thinking of doing a
>public service. I am going to go to the docks dressed in a clown suit with
>large styrofoam shoes and a large rubber bulbed car horn (like Harpo Marx).
>I can run up and down the dock blowing the horn and pantomiming. The large
>shoes would be break away styrofoam so I can have a running escape from any
>irate boater and as a backup I would have a lapel flower that shoots pepper
>spray. Does anyone have any other handy tips or suggestions for props such
>as exploding cigars or large rubber fish? How much flotation do I need in
>the clown suit?
>
>Jim Nolan :-)

The styrofoam shoes may be all the flotation you need. The rudenicks who
throw you off the dock (as well they should) will be humbled and repentant
when they see you walk on the water.

Be sure the horn is a CG-approved signaling device.

Harry Gordon