Ocean going vessels of Pern

[Paula]

Has anybody figured out what kind of ships Pernese use on long sea travels?

I did some ship-based reseach for something else... and started to ponder what Pernese would use. Personal opinnion: fast sailing ships like clippers (Cutty Stark-types).

Steam engines or diesels...well, from AM's books I got idea that even if they had the technology, Pern don't have much oil or coal reserves. And while wood work on riverboats, on long sea trip wood as fuel would take too much room.   (- Captain, we're run out of fuel! - Right, again? Start choping up chairs.) Too energy ineffient. So wind power would be only practical means. Which leads to my second guestion... Sailing ships are made of wood, with cloth sails and ropes, how do they protect them from Thread?
(Or do they just sail away from area where Thread is scheduled to fall?)

[emma]

I'd say Cutty Sark style Clippers.

DLG has them built at High Reaches and Tillek Holds, Tillek being the better known. But they are definitely wooden ships. There is a Fisher/Seacraft Hall at Tillek, Ships are built there under craft supervision.  DLG also has a picture of a Three-Masted ship which Tillek is apparently known for.

Ships are threadproofed by having pumps that can 'flood' the decks, Ceramic joints are used instead of wood, and a thin layer of lead ishammered over the mast(s) and spars. A thin metal canopy is kept on board to cover exposed bits of the ship. Standar procedure is apparently to drop the sails, draw the canopy, and flood the deck, steering on a heading to the leading edge of the fall.  Apparently fall at sea does not last long, but is still terrifying.

I can scan it in if anyone needs it.

[Avery]

This is all really useful info! The possibilities for shipboard life on Pern has always fascinated me, given the challenges of Thread. It sounds ke they have precautions but it also sounds terrifying.