surfresearch

Introduction
Arriving in Honolulu following the destruction of their Chinese junk, Fou Po II, de Bisschop and mate,Tati(bouet), build a Polynesian double-hull sailing canoe, Kaimiloa.
Initially disliking the label "scientist" bestowed by the Hawaiian press, de Bischop "researched" a current controversy, whether the Polynesians occupied the Pacific from the west or from the east.
Studying the available sources on ancient Polynesian sailing canoes, which he considered rudimentary, de Bisschop concluded that these craft were able to sail against the prevailing currents and winds of the Pacific, that is the Polynesians came from Asia, and not the Americas.

The twin-hulled Kaimiloa was constructed with the intention of "proving" his theory, although the hulls are fitted with watertight compartments and twin rudders, and the sails are canvas and bamboo, all derived from the Chinese junk.
Critically, he perceived the importance of fibre cord lashings, that provide flexibility between the hulls, page 25.
Whereas "the navigators of old were numerous ... and the readjustment of lashings must have been frequent," with a crew of only two, de Bisschop compromises with a combination of metal chains and springs.

The extended stay in Honolulu includes a romantic encounter with Papaleaiaina, whose "mother and grandmother are singing to this day, contary to custom because they are women, the genealogies which the men no longer sing ... (with) the marvellous exploits of the double canoes of legend," page 39.

There is only scant mention of the construction of outrigger canoes, despite their celebrated use in the surf at Waikiki at this time, and note the canoe adjacent to the Kaimiloa under construction, plate A facing page 27.

Conceeding to Tati's request "to return to France as soon as possible," de Bisschop abandons his scientific research, and decides to sail south and then west, with the prevailing winds and currents, page 61.