Idle chat: wings, waves, wheels…

This is Hull 824...which we assume will be called Pi but it is not to be confused with the 77M predecessor.

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Caught in the act: Members of different termite species mate.
Termite Love Child Going to Sea?
Loose Cannon recently published a story quoting scientist Thomas Chouvenc, who believes boats are exporting Florida termites to who knows where. Now, he’s learned that it’s actually worse. He’s discovered a hybrid termite and expects this new super species will also be stowing away.

“Having the two of the most destructive termite species in the world hybridizing here in Florida is a real concern and it is unknown if in the long term it will be a major economic problem that would be compounded to the one already caused by both species,” Chouvenc said.

In his just-published essay in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society, Chouvenc wrote that invasive Formosan subterranean termites and Asian subterranean termites have gone from coexistence to cross-breeding. Chovenc is associate professor of urban entomology at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, a branch of the University of Florida.

The university’s news release on Chovenc’s study concluded:

With the presence of established hybrid colonies now confirmed, scientists warn that the consequences could extend far beyond Florida. Fort Lauderdale, dubbed the “yacht capital of the world,” is a known hotspot for the introduction and spread of invasive termites via recreational boats. Chouvenc’s previous research has shown that private vessels are a major pathway for spreading these species internationally.

“This may be a Florida story now, but it likely won’t stay just in Florida. Give it time,” he warned.

I just got an urgent memo from the Florida Visitors Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, Florida Yacht Brokers' Association, and Show Management asking if I can delete the crappy post about the termite covid. And besides, I'm not sure those mating termites know which end is up. BTW, should you need an exterminator, Truly Nolen was one of our sailing buddies.

Well published notes on termits & boats on the web. Post #227 was copied from one of these sites.
We have managed a few boats requiring tent & gas to manage these boat eaters so it's not a new topic.
I thought interesting reading after your post #225.
Admin can delete if needed.

"Celebrity REFLECTION"?

So, was it Moo, or Baa? as the herds were moved about?
You want a nice vacation? Get back in a single couple cruiser.