When I first conceived of my Coast Guard series (Gulf Coast
Rescue) I didn’t know enough about the different assets like small boats,
cutters, fixed and rotary wing aircraft to determine how they might play into
my story world. The more I researched actual missions and the kinds of rescues
each asset was used for and why, I began narrowing my focus to aircrews.
Eventually I decided to concentrate on the MH-60T recovery medium-range
helicopter, or Jayhawk.
However, during my discovery phase, and later as I developed
my heroine for Jayhawk Down, I researched the Coast Guard Academy and learned
about the Barque Eagle, the only active
duty square rigger tall ship in use today. Since 1946, she has been used to
train cadets and officer candidates what sailing is all about. As a cadet in
the academy, my heroine would have spent some time on the Eagle.
When I heard the Eagle
was going to visit Port Canaveral, Florida at the end of May first of June, I
knew I had to visit the ship known as the perfect lady. Will I be able to apply
what I learned in my next book or two? I have no idea. I have discovered not to
turn down opportunities to learn more about the important historical elements
that make up the unique branch that protects our coasts and inland waters while
conducting more civilian rescues than any single organization.
First, the Eagle is
a beautiful ship. Under full sail, she can attain speeds up to 17 knots in the
open ocean. There are over 22,000 square feet of sail, five miles of rigging,
and over 200 lines. Looking up at the top of the masts (147-foot-tall), knowing
those young cadets must climb up there to do their jobs, gives you a real
appreciation of what the young men and women are required to do as part of
their training. Hmm, good thing my character didn’t have a fear of heights!
It was fun to read the information placards, along with
historical facts about sailing ships of all ages and designs.
Have any of your research discoveries led to unplanned story dividends? Do you fancy going in a different direction when you learn a new or arcane fact you hadn't known before?
4 comments:
Thank you for this fascinating look at a world I know nothing about. ;) When I created my Mindhunters series, it was based on a documentary I saw on the Vidocq Society, which is a group of professionals who meet in Philadelphia and discuss cold cases. They're named after who is believed to be the first private investigator (Vidocq) and it led to some interesting research.
Always. Writing using technology is a mindblower. Basically anything you dream is possible. Just working with the technology in new cars can keep me going for days.
Well, Sharon, my most memorable ship experience (other than cruises with wine, I mean)occurred one Sunday afternoon in New Bedford, Massachusetts, at the old whaling museum. We went aboard a replica of a whaler, and I kept banging my head on stuff and thinking, boy, people sure were small way back 'then.' Come to find out, the replica had been built on a 1/3 scale of the original. Embarrassing.
An interesting topic and blog. I'm sorry I missed seeing the ship when it was here. I've sailed on a four-masted sailing ship that has since sunk in a hurricane (entire crew lost). The sail was a wonderful experience rocking and rolling in the berth at night. Sure glad I'm not one to get sea sick. Seeing the sails raised was inspirational. I would love to do a story about such a ship someday, or at least put a character on a ship. Funny comment, Jean. I'd probably have wondered the same thing.
Post a Comment