Monthly Archives: December 2008
Sailors and Swimming
One of the articles of faith in most nautical fiction of the Age of Sail is the notion that sailor’s were generally non-swimmers. The Jack Aubrey novels by Patrick O’Brian note that Jack is unusual in his strong swimming ability … Continue reading
Filed under Jack Aubrey Novels, Naval Fiction, Naval Life
Weather Gage
To a landsman, like myself, a lot of the maneuvering described by authors who understand sailing and sailing ships approaches impenetrable. One of the most common terms we encounter is the “weather gage” and the desirability of achieving it. There … Continue reading
Filed under Age of Sail, Naval Operations, Naval Tactics
Recurring Alan Lewrie Characters
Posted an update of the list of characters from the Alan Lewrie novels. This update covers The King’s Commission.
Filed under Age of Sail, Alan Lewrie Novels
Victory Firing a Broadside
Just came across this video clip of HMS Victory firing a broadside at dusk. It is probably the first broadside fired by Victory since Trafalgar. It is impressive even when one considers the cartridges are undoubtedly the equivalent of salute … Continue reading
Filed under Age of Sail, Famous Ships, Naval Gunnery
“…seasick at Spithead”
Spithead was the great anchorage of the Royal Navy located adjacent to the port city of Portsmouth. Spithead continues to be the scene of naval reviews such as Trafalgar 200 International Fleet Review. This image provides a view of Spithead … Continue reading
Filed under Age of Sail, Geography, Horatio Hornblower Novels
“From Ushant to Scilly is thirty-five leagues”
The Isles of Scilly are the northernmost boundary of the Western Approaches of the English Channel. During the Age of Sail the overwhelming majority of British and Continental shipping exited the English Channel using the southern landmark, Ushant, as the … Continue reading
Filed under Uncategorized
John Jervis, Earl of St. Vincent
Many historical characters wend their way through the nautical fiction of the Age of Sail. The Royal Navy was a fairly small organization, especially in the number of officers, and as employment was gained via interest and patronage it is … Continue reading
Filed under Age of Sail, Jack Aubrey Novels, Naval Biography
The Cat of Nine Tails
The cat. Scratched by the cat. Let the cat out of the bag. These terms figure prominently in most nautical fiction set during the Age of Sail. Collingwood was famous for his reluctance to use the cat. St. Vincent, on … Continue reading
Filed under Age of Sail, Naval Life
