The weather is very clear, the blue sky and the ocean are connected in the distance, white clouds are dotted in the clear sky, and the sea breeze with a touch of salty flavor blows slowly, which makes people feel relaxed and happy.
This is a good day for a walk or picnic on the beach, and there are indeed many people gathered on the shore of Franklin Harbor. Most of them are residents of the town, including fishermen, businessmen, and women holding children.
But they didn't gather here for walks and picnics. Most of them were staring at the sea to the west, exclaiming in admiration or discussing in twos and threes from time to time.
On the distant sea, a ship that could be said to be strange in the eyes of the locals was sailing quickly.
This strange ship has no oars and is only over 20 meters long by visual inspection. A long bowsprit sticks out from the front, like a sharp sword piercing the front. There is only one mast mounted backwards on the deck. The front of the mast and the bowsprit support four triangle sails. Two square sails are hung on the top of the mast, and a huge longitudinal sail is supported behind the mast. From a distance, it looks like the dorsal fin of a shark when it swims on the water.
This is the Sloop boat that has just been built by the shipyard. Its unique shape creates a different kind of beauty. People on the shore are attracted by her heroic appearance.
"Hahaha! I love this beauty so much!"
On the deck of the Throop ship, former pirate leader Quirk shouted excitedly. He was entrusted with the important task of operating the steering wheel during this test. Paul designed Pollard Rudder System consisting of pulleys and cables according to memory. The shipwrights installed this steering device on the Throop ship according to the schematic diagram. Now one person can adjust the rudder relatively easily as long as he turns the steering wheel on the deck.
Under the operation of Quirk, the Slupp boat constantly changed its direction, sometimes sailing in a straight line, sometimes making circles on the vast sea.
Of course, because it is a sailboat, the sailors' efforts and cooperation are essential. They must adjust the sails according to the wind direction in time so that the power of the boat does not disappear.
There are more than a dozen people on the deck of the Throop ship, including the shipyard supervisor Rubin, the old shipwright Benjamin, and "Navy Commander" Austin.
Rubin looked excited, Lord Greiman's model finally became a real thing.
Benjamin had tears in his eyes. His long-cherished wish for many years finally came true today. Although the boat was still small, it was just the beginning. Earl Greiman had promised him to build a bigger sailboat.
Because it was a trial run for a new ship, they had a galley following behind them to fish out people just in case.
The wind was strong today. At this time, the Throop boat could reach a speed of more than ten knots. At first, the paddle boat was able to accompany it with ease. However, after more than half a day of trial sailing, as the oarsmen's strength was exhausted and Quirk's unfettered operation, they gradually could not keep up with the Throop boat.
Some sailors made various faces or made strange noises towards the galleys that were far behind, and the deck was very lively.
Among this group of overly excited people, only Austin remained calm, holding his hands on his chest as if thinking about something.
At this time, a sailor holding Telescope shouted to him, "There is a signal from the shore, let us go back immediately."
Austin immediately shouted an order, "Return!"
Quirk muttered depressedly, "I haven't had enough fun yet..."
However, these few months of military life made him dare not disobey orders. As the steering wheel turned, the Slupp boat turned and sailed towards the shipyard port.
After more than two months, Paul came to Franklin Harbor again.
Accompanying him were several Government Affairs Council supervisors including Hansel, Chief of Staff Schroeder, Equipment Department minister Kelly, Logistics Department minister Ron, and two Female Advisor 'Betty' and Laddie. Many people want to see the new ship mentioned by the earl.
After greeting the mayor and others at the city gate, he led the people straight to the shipyard.
When he arrived, the Throop boat was already out on a trial run.
He couldn't blame others for not waiting for him. He had given the order himself: just give him a letter after the ship was built, and then everything would go according to the planned plan. There was no need to wait for him to go over before starting the trial voyage.
Time is very tight and any delay in progress will not be tolerated.
It happened that Kent Family temporarily canceled his plan to launch a war, so he rushed over after receiving the news and brought 20 Artillery for the navy.
When he saw the silhouette of the sailboat on the distant sea, he was extremely excited and couldn't wait to go up and see it for himself.
He asked the people who stayed on the shore to send a return signal, and soon the Sloop ship sailed towards the shipyard's port.
"Lord Greiman!"
Austin saluted Paul with a standard military salute.
Paul smiled and returned the favor, "Thank you for your hard work, Your Excellency Commander."
Austin said modestly, "Where the hardest work is done by supervisor Rubin and master Benjamin."
"Haha, I will never forget these two heroes."
As Paul spoke, he shook hands tightly with the two people next to Austin and thanked them.
"I also want to thank you, sir!" Old Benjamin held Paul's hand and didn't let go for a long time.
Paul teased him, "Master Benjamin, from now on I will let you build ships here as much as you like, as long as you don't feel tired."
Benjamin said repeatedly, "I'm not too tired, I'm not too tired, how can I be too tired!"
Then Paul patted Rubin on the shoulder. "Let's go, Mr. Supervisor, take me to the ship for a tour."
Rubin said proudly, "Lord Greiman, I can't wait to show you this ship. You will definitely fall in love with her."
After boarding the Slupp boat, Paul visited every part carefully and he felt very satisfied.
He asked, "Everyone, does this beauty have a name?"
Rubin said, "Sir, this ship is of great significance. Only you are qualified to name her!"
This flattering was so satisfying, Paul said with a smile, "Then I'm welcome."
Paul I thought hard about what name would make this ship more attractive.
In the end, he could only think to himself, "Oh! I really have no talent in naming. Forget it, it's true that it's ordinary."
"I have decided!" Paul pointed at the sea with his finger and shouted loudly, "Name this ship 'Hope'. She represents our hope to conquer the sea!"
"Pah! Pah! Pah!" People around applauded.
Austin shook his head and said, "As expected of Lord Greiman, the name 'Hope' is just right."
Director Rubin also nodded and said, "It is indeed true. Every name chosen by your lord, the Earl, has such a profound meaning. It has a profound meaning."
After listening to his subordinates' words, the Earl suddenly felt a surge of pride in his heart.
He waved his hand. "You must continue to build new dry docks and expand the production capacity of the shipyard. We must build big! Build big!"
Austin, Rubin, Benjamin and others were overjoyed after hearing this!