September 15, 2008

Assignment # 4 [Ist Watch Assignment]

4. A Virtual Rafting on Local Waters

Between the dates of September 10 and September 14, 2008, you and your watch are expected to launch a rafting expedition
from waters beneath one NYC bridge, proceed to and pass under a second NYC bridge, and complete your expedition
by beaching your raft under a third NYC bridge. The relevant bridges for this exercise:

The George Washington Bridge

The Outerbridge Crossing (between Staten Island and Perth Amboy)
The Verrazano Narrows Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge
The Triborough Bridge
The Whitestone Bridge
The Washington Bridge (across Harlem River/Amsterdam Avenue)

The raft is self-propelled only to the extent that vigorous kicking/paddling by its occupants can generate 1 knot of speed; otherwise, the raft is dependent upon the natural movement of the waters for its propulsion and direction. Assume adequate water depths and no serious wind.

You are specifically to select – and explain -- your expedition’s chosen route by one of the following criteria;
-- speed to complete the expedition;
-- ease and comfort
-- maximum risk

In your filed trip report, you are also to indicate the following:
Date and time of departure from beneath first bridge
Time of passing under 2^nd bridge
Time of reaching the third bridge

Alternative routes considered can also be mentioned, along with reasons for not choosing.

All calculations should be appended to your report, which is to be posted on the course website/Discussion
by Sunday midnite, September 14, 2008 . One member of your watch should be prepared to explain and defend the watch’s decisions in class.
Another watch member should be prepared be to comment on/critique the choices made by each of the other watches.