A CURIOUS CRAFT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13296, 1 October 1906, Page 4

A CURIOUS CRAFT.

TO CIRCUMNAVIGATE THE GLOBE. ' ; [BY TELEGRAPH.— CORRESPONDENT.] . Whangarei, Saturday. The unique vessel in which Mr. E., Wil- \ liams intends to attempt to circumnavigate • the globe is now well advanced in construction. In appearance it is like an elongated cask, with either end -tapering to a sharp point, and displaying a clear, unbroken run from stem .to stern. It is contended that . the vessel will be equal to all tho demands' made on it by the seas • and winds, as nothing but the smooth curved surface will '• be exposed. The craft is 30ft long, and < has a beam 7ft 6in, with a depth sft 9in. , The latter measurement does not include the keel of 12in, with 4in of lead attached. There is ample room inside, and accommo- - dation for two persons, with storage for six months' supply of water and provisions. The vessel is calculated to draw, 3ft 6in of water, ■ and ■is -i ketch ■ rigged, the . canvas g . comprising a jib, staysail, mainsail, and mizzen. As it will often lie necessary to-,*,' crawl over the rounded deck head in order to attend to the head sails when reefing, two small battens are to be attached', to r . provide a hold, and a strong net is to be ' 1 placed on either side as an additional protection. Mr. Williams hopes to make tho Christ,church Exhibition about Christmas, , calling at Auckland, Gisborne, Napier, and ;f • Wellington on the way down.