Sailing Ships of Australia
Friday, June 20th, 2008Sea Dog Fridays
By: Phoenix Arrien
Tall ships! These two words conjure up high adventure and bold deeds. Square riggers using only wind and human skill, sailed to Australia bringing white settlers - willing and unwilling.
They dominated the oceans, trade and the fortunes of empires. They were lords of the oceans for centuries and in this day of virtual and fast travel, the few that still ride the seas on their own terms, bring lumps to throats when sighted breezing proudly passing under full sail.
So me hearties. For the next few months I am gonna prepare ye for the weekend, by taking ye to sea on Fridays. Aye, I am gonna spin ye such tales of me sea voyages that ye will enter the weekend with the smell of salt in ye nostrils, the whip of the cat o nine tails - no, that shall give ye ideas beyond the pure sort - let us change that to the whip of the ocean gale, the slap (mind yerself) of the waves against the ship’s hull and the freedom of heading out into the wild blue yonder.
No ordinary ships, mind ye, for I have sailed the seas around Australia in tall riggers, thems with the sails and wooden hulls, tall masts pointing to heaven and anchors pointing to Davy
Jones Locker.
Most Australian states have their own tall ship based in each capital city and undertaking sails ranging from hourly to multi-year journeys. Let us rejoicing in the power and might of these ocean lords; hear the creaking hull pulled along by large sails, feel the wind blow into the canvas and see the oceans seething with a fantastic world of creatures and currents.
Let us not forget the history. Stories, paintings, records and legends have wrapped themselves around the mighty sailing ships plying the oceans; the masters of transport taking people to far off lands. These vessels changed the destinies of countries and shaped the world.
They are also a bonza way to travel. So next Friday we set off on the Leeuwin around one of the five great capes of the world. See you on board then!
