Speculation and a Quiz.

[vic mcclymont]

We all see how the media reacts when a disaster occurs at sea, wonder how they would have reacted if this had a different ending?

It was 1972 we had just left Buenos Aires on the Clan Ranald heading for the Cape Verde Island for bunkers and further orders.
We arrived off the Islands on a Sunday afternoon, it was grey miserable and wet (just like the UK). The second said to me no need for you standby just stay near a hone.
We were doing 17.5 knots heading towards the bay suddenly she healed over, klaxons sounding, I looked out the porthole we were heading out to sea.
I arrive in the E.R problems? yes.
A couple of months later enjoying breakfast in a young ladies house in Cape Town which over looked the beach, I saw the Clan Ross approaching at speed, suddleny she healed over and did a "U" turn and headed out to sea.
I remarked to the young lady I know what the problem is, do you?
One of the reason for approaching at speed was to keep the exhaust gas temperatures up so that we could run the turbo alternator.

Now can you imagine the headlines British Cargo Ship Runs aground.
Sitster ship clears the beach in Cape town.

Now guys what headlines can you come up with?
and secondly what do you thing was the cause of the hasty retreat?
Vic

P>S.They were bridge controlled.

[John Gill]

Doubt if the cause was relevant to Exhaust Gas- more to do with Cape Smoke on the bridge. How did you manage to be invited for breakfast Vic?-you must have pleasured the young lady! My experience was usually a hasty exit before the next clientele arrived for her 8-12 watch.
gilly

[Captain Kong]

I remarked to the young lady I know what the problem is, do you?
One of the reason for approaching at speed was to keep the exhaust gas temperatures up so that we could run the turbo alternator. VIC.
.

You are so Romantic Vic, discussing Turbo Alternaters and exhaust gases at breakfast with a young Lady after a night of passion.
I bet she was really interested in that.
.
I must try that line next time I have a night of passion with the Long Haired One.
She would probably say to me, "You need a Turbo and those exhaust gases are really too much in bed. after a few beers.".
.
Interesting story tho`, maybe Rob could answer that one.
Cheers
Brian.

[John Gill]

Out of control British merchant vessel ploughs through sunbathers on millionaires Cape playground- not many dead-D Mirror.

Romantic breakfast ruined by an out of control Somalian captured British merchantman.- D Express

Jacob Zuma says Mr Mandela improving-Cape Argus

Holiday makers flee as unknown vessel appears on horizon-more details on pages 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10- D Mail.

Page 3 girl tells all- My romantic nights of passion on Robben Island-The Sun.

Left wing insurgents attempt a coup on crowded S African waterfront. Gaurdean.

[happy daze john in oz]

This may be the reason **** is missing, His exhaust gasses after all the curries got too much and he has shot off into space!!

[vic mcclymont]

No one solved the problem - some witty remarks.

The Clan R (Ramsay, Ranald, Ross & Robertson) were built in the mid sixties and were semi - automated.
At the end of the fruit season in 1970 all four were delivered to H&W for conversion to full bridge control and unmanned machinery space. The auto systems were piggy backed onto the existing systems.
The mechanical governor had a smooth take of shaft to which a clamp was fitted with a drive connection to the electronic governor.
Unfortunately over time the the clamp on the mechanical governor could slip with near disastrous consequences.
In both instance that I describe previously the clamp had loosened and slipped, but the electronic governor maintained the preset speed. It only became obvious when the telegraph was rung to decrease the speed, and the electronic governor ignored the command and maintained full speed. Hence pretty nifty U turns at 17.5 knots.