by Duncan P » Mon Mar 13, 2017 5:46 am
G'day, I notice the remarks about the sheer on the Pacific Princess.
I stood by her as 2nd Mate in Blythe from November 64 when she was still fitting out. We sailed from Blythe early January 65 for trials and then drydock at Wallsend slipway . Finally commenced the maiden voyage on the 7th January 65. I stayed on as 2/O until paying off in Cardiff on the 20th Septenber 66 when I had time in for master's ticket. I was s 2nd mate on her when the photo under the Vancouver bridge was taken, it was my last trip in her.
We had loaded at prince Rupert, Cowichan bay Vancouver, New Westminster and topped off again at Cowichen Bay. Including cutting the wharf almost in half while berthing about 5 am .
Regarding he sheer, yes it was somewhat more than average, and was a problem opening and closing No 1 hatch.
She had 6 x 10T cranes , which was quite innovative at that time. Unfortunately if she was trimmed a bit too much by the stern, plus the sheer, the weight of the single pull macgregor hatch covers were too much for the crane to pull shut. This meant doubling up the power by using a snatch block attached to the leading hatch cover, and securing the fixed end of the pulley sysetm to the foc'sle bulkhead, thus doubling the pulling power..
She was a very good sea ship when loaded but a bit light when in ballast, it was before a hold could be ballasted.
Overall good memories of her and the crew.
Cheers and stay dry