A discussion of the design & performance of the ships in Nelson’s fleet at this historic naval battle.
Peter, an avid amateur marine historian, gave a fascinating presentation at NSC last year on The History of Rigging, which was our most “ intellectual” presentation of the series.
Peter is an architect from Montreal who has sailed in many locales and currently keeps a sailboat at his home on the shores of Lac des Deux Montagnes. His experiences have included supervising the re-rigging of a replica of one of Christopher Columbus’s ships. He also converted a wooden dory into a sailing vessel while in Halifax & sailed it to Florida.
Peter’s presentation deals with probably the greatest technical sailors of all time, maneuvering gigantic wooden ships with extremely complex sail & rigging systems, without the benefit of motors, in a deadly battle. Peter will explain how Nelson’s fleet managed to defeat a much larger combined French & Spanish fleet in the battle of Trafalgar in 1805 by transgressing long established naval battle traditions and employing innovative tactics that included the innovative use of cannons and the element of surprise.
The design and sails/rigging of the key battle ships or “ships of the line” will be reviewed, and smaller vessels such as frigates will also be discussed as will merchant ships of the time. Naval warship tactics against land based forts & shore batteries were part of naval actions of the time and will be shown, as will techniques used to save damaged ships by rapid haul out & repair. A commentary will also be made on the challenging environment faced by officers and men aboard these magnificent sailing vessels.
The kitchen opens at 5.00 pm, and the presentation will start at 7:30 p.m. Check the Galley menu for specials. Members of all local sailing clubs obtain a discount on food purchases by showing a valid club membership card. Attendees are asked to make a donation to support the NSC Legacy fund.
Upcoming talks: Wednesday March 29 Greg Dargavel: 2017 Racing Rules of Sailing – New Quadrennial, New Rules . For the complete Winter Speakers Program, see the Speakers Series Calendar.
