Sails, Skippers and Sextants
Sails, Skippers and Sextants

Author: George Drower

Publisher: The History Press

Published: 2011-09-30

Total Pages: 207

ISBN-13: 0752468057

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'The inventions, the innovations, the stories, the surprises. A combination of history, reference and entertainment – something for every seafarer and many others too.' - Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. People have been sailing for thousands of years, but we've come some distance from longboats and clippers. How did we arrive here? In fifty tales of inventors and innovations, Sails, Skippers and Sextants looks at the history of one of our most enjoyable pastimes, from the monarch who pioneered English yachting to the engineer who invented sailboards. The stories are sometimes inspiring, usually amusing and often intriguing – so grab your lifejacket, it's going to be quite an adventure.

Heligoland
Heligoland

Author: George Drower

Publisher: The History Press

Published: 2011-10-21

Total Pages: 323

ISBN-13: 0752472801

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In 1956 sea area Heligoland became German Bight. But why did the North Sea island, which for nearly a century had demonstrated its loyalty to Britain, lose its identity? How had this once peaceful haven become, as Admiral Jacky Fisher exclaimed 'a dagger pointed at England's heart'? Behind the renaming of Heligoland lies a catalogue of deceit, political ambition, blunder and daring. Heligoland came under British rule in the nineteenth century, a 'Gibraltar' of the North Sea. Then, in 1890, despite the islanders' wishes, Lord Salisbury announced his intention to swap it for Germany's presence in Zanzibar. The Prime Minister's decision unleashed a storm of controversy. Queen Victoria telegrammed from Balmoral to register her fury. During both world wars, it was used by Germany to control the North Sea, and RAF planes bombed the once-British territory. The story of Heligoland is more than an obscure footnote to the British Empire - it shows the significance of territory throughout history.

Ninety Seconds at Zeebrugge
Ninety Seconds at Zeebrugge

Author: Iain Yardley

Publisher: The History Press

Published: 2014-07-01

Total Pages: 339

ISBN-13: 0750957360

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The Herald of Free Enterprise car ferry set sail on a routine voyage to Dover in March 1987, carrying hundreds of passengers, including British army personnel, day-trippers and truck drivers. Minutes after leaving the Belgian port of Zeebrugge, the ferry began to capsize. Terrified passengers were separated from loved ones in a seething mass of humanity, in freezing cold water and had to fight for their lives. This is the minute-by-minute account of those who lived through the disaster, from the event to rescue, reunion and repatriation. The Belgian people are also remembered for the care and comfort they gave to the bewildered and grief-stricken survivors. Including plans, photographs and records considering how this disaster impacted ferry operating procedures forever, Iain Yardley's thoughtful study covers every aspect of this tragedy. Many survivors, relatives and rescue workers have contributed to make this a fitting tribute to all involved from that night to the present day.

On Board RMS Titanic
On Board RMS Titanic

Author: George Behe

Publisher: The History Press

Published: 2012-02-29

Total Pages: 461

ISBN-13: 0752483056

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'It would make the stones cry to hear those on board shrieking' - Daniel Buckley, third-class passenger For the first time, in this moving new book, Titanic's passengers and crewmen are permitted to tell the story of that lamentable disaster entirely in their own words. Included are letters, postcards, diary entries and memoirs that were written before, during and immediately after the maiden voyage itself. Many of the pre-sailing documents were composed by people who later lost their lives in the sinking and represent the last communications that these people ever had with their friends and loved ones at home. The subsequent letters and postcards give an unparalleled description of the events that occurred during the five days that Titanic was at sea, and the correspondence by survivors after the tragedy describes the horror of the disaster itself and the heartbreak they experienced at the loss of those they loved. This poignant compilation, by Titanic expert George Behe, also contains brief biographies of the passengers and crewmen, victims, as well as survivors, who wrote the documents in question.

Garden Heroes and Villains
Garden Heroes and Villains

Author: George Drower

Publisher: The History Press

Published: 2006-11-23

Total Pages: 212

ISBN-13: 0750954140

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A follow up to " Gardeners, Gurus and Grubs", this collection of stories looks at the heroes and villains of the gardening world. It talks about: how Heron of Alexandria surprised unwelcome visitors to his garden in the ancient times by squirting water over them from his newly invented fountain; the story of the garden gnome; and more.

QE2: A Photographic Journey
QE2: A Photographic Journey

Author: Chris Frame

Publisher: The History Press

Published: 2013-07-01

Total Pages: 209

ISBN-13: 0750968214

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Since her maiden voyage in 1969 the QE2 has delighted the thousands of guests who have been lucky enough to spend time aboard this world-famous ship and fascinated many more. She is the most famous ocean liner of our time and has achieved iconic status worldwide. Now, after four decades in the limelight, QE2 will be retiring in November 2008 to begin a new life as a hotel in Dubai. QE2: A Photographic Journey marks the end of an era by taking the reader on a voyage of appreciation of the most loved ocean liner in the world. Readers can stroll the decks, visit the various bars and lounges, take high tea in the Queen's Room and retire to their cabin without leaving their armchair! Each public room is detailed with colour photographs and historical commentary, including quirky and amusing anecdotes and snippets of information about the ship and some of the many characters who have sailed aboard her. Written by two enthusiastic fans and frequent QE2 travellers, this book is beautifully illustrated with over two hundred colour photographs, and complemented by new information from Commodore R.W. Warwick, former master of QE2 and the son of the first captain. This affectionate record provides the most fitting of souvenirs as the QE2 sails into history.

Reeds Skipper's Handbook
Reeds Skipper's Handbook

Author: Malcolm Pearson

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2020-04-16

Total Pages: 211

ISBN-13: 1472972147

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The Reed's Skipper's Handbook has been a bestseller since first publication. The previous edition sold over 60,000 copies, and it is easy to see why: a handy pocket size, it is an aide-memoire of everything a boater needs to know at sea. Packed with a wide range of information in a concise form it is frequently recommended by Yachtmaster Instructors as a quick reference guide and as a revision aid for anyone taking their Day Skipper or Yachtmaster certificates. This 7th edition has been thoroughly revised, with updated text and illustrations throughout. 'A terrific little volume' Motorboat & Yachting 'A brilliant guide for beginners and an excellent refresher for more advanced skippers... a top rate book' Waterstones 'Everything you would need to know when going to sea in a yacht or small boat...a humdinger of a little book' Nautical Magazine Reeds Skipper's Handbook is a must for anyone going to sea in any size of boat – be they novice or old hand. Tens of thousands of skippers and crew have found it invaluable as a memory jogger and refresher whether at sea or on land.

Sails, Skippers and Sextants
Sails, Skippers and Sextants

Author: GEORGE. DROWER

Publisher:

Published: 2021-07

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 9780750995733

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Which woman made the first solo transatlantic crossing? Who saved thousands of lives with the invention of navigation lights? What is the story behind the invention of the compass? Many of us know the story of modern sailing pioneers - Dame Ellen MacArthur and Francis Chichester, Claire Francis and the challengers of the Americas Cup - but what about those unsung heroes who invented the mechanisms and technology which enabled sailors to speed across the oceans and navigate more safely? George Drower presents fifty stories showcasing the impact made by inspiring individuals on the development of the sailing world as we know it, from the invention of cloud classification and screw propellers to radio telephones and the measurement of tides. This is a book to inspire and intrigue sailors everywhere.