A windy wave of pedantry

An assertion in a recent post that I was sailing faster than the wind resulted a response from Camberley, riding on a self-confessed wave of pedantry, that such a thing could not be possible.

There then followed a brief but vigorous exchange of e-mails where I pointed him to various websites which explained the phenomenon. Being Camberley, and possessed of an enormous brain, he decided that the mathematical formulas in Wikipedia were flawed, but he did accept the principle.

Which is just as well, for the news this morning is of wind-powered vehicle which has just set a new land speed record of 126.1 mph (64,700 carrots); powered by a wind of 30 mph. Congratulations to the engineer who was, of course, British.

More info and photos here if you are interested.

Comments 🔗

2009-03-29 | Camberley says

I have to confess that although the formula in Wikipedia is different from the one I derived, further playing around with it showed that they are both just different ways of expressing the same thing. So we were both right. I didn’t own up at the time but your post touched my conscience.

Its not my brain that is enormous - just my head. Sometimes.

One more payday at our mutual employer and I too will join the ranks of the idle poor (ish)

2009-03-29 | Spike says

Excellent news. Can we look forward to Camberley Days - An extra-ordinary life in an ordinary place?

2009-03-29 | Camberley says

I fear not. I do not have your talent with words.

2009-03-29 | Billy says

Words talent not required …. just give us the facts, the inside track on Camberley - there are millions of us just dying to find out what it is that makes it tick :-)

2009-03-30 | Spike says

It certainly ticks. It’s a ticking time bomb of sex, drugs and rock & roll. At least that sums up Mr. Camberley himself.

2009-03-30 | Camberley says

Genre would be a problem. Who seriously would be interested in a blog devoted (?) to food, wine, photography, bridge, sex clubs, and walking? I mean you see one photograph of naked boozy card players on top of a mountain and you have seen them all.

2009-03-31 | Spike says

One more wouldn’t harm.

2009-03-31 | Billy says

Niche, long tail, need I say more?