Welsford Island:

Barnackles and rocks are no problem for these boats. More likely the Surge Narrows, through which we will pass. Maximum current 9 knots. Compare the really large rudder with the small one of my new design, which is still more efficient because the new boat handles a lot better.

We came at the time of maximum currents at the narrows. From someone at Campbell, we learned that in our trip's area were currents of ''40 knots, and whirlpools to the ground''. Although that surely is an exaggeration, we had a lengthy discussion before we entered Surge Narrows; we sat on the small Welsford Island and began interpreting every written word...