Norwegian ethnologist Thor Heyerdahl sails papyrus boat (1970)
On May 17, 1970, Norwegian ethnologist Thor Heyerdahl and a multinational crew set out from Morocco across the Atlantic Ocean in Ra II, a papyrus sailing craft modeled after . . .
On May 23, 1701 the infamous English Pirate, Captain Kidd, dies.
On May 23, 1701 the infamous English Pirate, Captain Kidd, dies.
Kidd’s early career is obscure. It is believed he went to sea as a youth. After 1689 he was sailing as . . .
Regina Maris sinks at dock during Hurricane Bob (5 Jan 1994)
From the historical archives of Regina Maris.
In Greenport, New York on February 3, 1994, during a howling rainstorm — which had not been forecast — Regina Maris sank, . . .
Remembering Bill Pinkney
William Deltoris Pinkney III (September 15, 1935 – August 31, 2023) was an American sailor and executive. In 1992, he became the first African American to sail around . . .
Remembering Ed Trickett, 1941 – 10 May 2022
Ed was a well-loved musician in the folk music community. He appeared on over 40 recordings, most of them with Folk Legacy Records, now part of the Smithsonian Folkways . . .
Remembering Jerzy Porębski
Porębski was a shanties performer and author of songs with a maritime theme, but also a publicist, fisherman and sailor. Without a doubt, he was one of the animators of . . .
Remembering Linda Anderson (19 Jan 2023)
Linda D. Anderson was a skilled and popular nature and maritime photographer. She frequently photographed and vended at the many tall ship events on the Great Lakes. A Port . . .
Remembering Mikaël Yaouank (5th June 2020)
Mikaël Yaouank passed away on the 5th June 2020 at the age of 73. He was the founder, with Michel Tonnerre, of the folk group, Djiboudjep and a celebrated solo performer. . . .
Remembering Stan Hugill (19 November 1906 – 13 May 1992)
Stan Hugill (19 November 1906 – 13 May 1992) was a British folk music performer, artist and sea music historian, known as the “Last Working Shantyman” and . . .
Roald Amundsen becomes first explorer to reach the South Pole
On December 14, 1911, Norwegian Roald Amundsen becomes the first explorer to reach the South Pole, beating his British rival, Robert Falcon Scott.
Amundsen, born in Borge, . . .
Roald Amundsen becomes first explorer to reach the South Pole
On December 14, 1911, Norwegian Roald Amundsen becomes the first explorer to reach the South Pole, beating his British rival, Robert Falcon Scott.
Amundsen, born in Borge, . . .
Roanoke Colony deserted (1590)
The Roanoke Island colony, the first English settlement in the New World, was founded by English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh in August 1585. The first Roanoke colonists . . .
Royal George Sinks During Refitting (August 29, 1782)
Royal George sank on 29 August 1782 whilst anchored at Spithead off Portsmouth. The ship was intentionally rolled so maintenance could be performed on the hull, but the roll became unstable and out . . .
Royal George Sinks During Refitting 29 Aug 1782
Royal George sank on 29 August 1782 whilst anchored at Spithead off Portsmouth. The ship was intentionally rolled so maintenance could be performed on the hull, but the . . .
Schooner Lyman M. Law Sunk (2 Feb 1917)
The Austrian submarine U-35 bombs and sinks the American schooner Lyman M. Law in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Cagliari, Sardinia. The Lyman M. Law, captained . . .
Sir Francis Drake circumnavigates the globe (26 Sept 1580)
English seaman Francis Drake returns to Plymouth, England, in the Golden Hind, becoming the first British navigator to sail around the earth.
On December 13, 1577, Drake . . .
Sir Francis Drake claims California for England
During his circumnavigation of the world, English seaman Francis Drake anchors in a harbor just north of present-day San Francisco, California, and claims the territory . . .
Sir Francis Drake Sets Sail (1577)
English seaman Francis Drake sets out from Plymouth, England, with five ships and 164 men on a mission to raid Spanish holdings on the Pacific coast of the New World and . . .
Sir Robert Dudley Dies (6 Sept 1649)
Sir Robert Dudley (7 August 1574 – 6 September 1649) was an English explorer and cartographer. In 1594, he led an expedition to the West Indies, of which he wrote an account. . . .