Week 07: Work Onboard
Many of this week’s diary entries make reference to work onboard. This week we look at the different jobs that were required to enable these ships to set sail. There were always jobs to be done,...
View ArticleWeek 09 Shipwrecks
The United Nations estimates that there are more than 3 million shipwrecks in the world. The reasons ships become wrecked are varied, including poor weather, low visibility, navigation errors,...
View ArticleWeek 12 – Crossing the line
As the Duke of York nears the Equator the crew hopes to have a bit of fun. Crossing the Line ceremonies were common on sailing vessels and often involved ‘King Neptune’ coming on board to ‘baptise’...
View ArticleWeek 16 – towards Australia
Both the Duke of York and the John Pirie are now steering south east towards Australia, a novelty they appreciate. Although it brings bad weather and rough conditions, the travellers on the John Pirie...
View ArticleWeek 19 – farewells and new beginnings
This week sees the unhappy passengers and crew of the Cygnet still anchored in Rio Harbour. While Boyle Travers Finniss chafes under continuing delays, the crew mutinies, refusing all work. Brazilian...
View ArticleWeek 22 – all ships underway
All of the fleet is finally underway, but it is by no means fair sailing. The Buffalo sets off hopefully, after much delay, but is soon back in port ahead of an approaching storm. This week we meet...
View ArticleWeek 26 – the expanding settlement
On Kangaroo Island The fledgling settlement on Kangaroo Island is now into its third week and it is not a happy place. Samuel Stephens and Captains Morgan and Ross are increasingly anxious about their...
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