For thousands of years, venturing on the oceans broadened man’s understanding of the world and irreversibly changed the world order. We’ll explore key maritime events and explorers that created change, impacting us today. The art and science of sailing, the techniques of navigation, and the principles of good seamanship have been established for more than 2000 years. It’s remarkable how resourceful and courageous our ancestors were, venturing into an inhospitable, watery environment. We can read about their experiences and relate directly to them today. The principles are the same; we just have better tools. Our six classes will focus on:

• The Mediterranean—Apostle Paul’s voyage and shipwreck

• The Indian Ocean—China’s Treasure Fleet: what if China kept their huge navy and outward focus in the 1400s?

• North Atlantic—Columbus’ four voyages start world globalization

• Pacific Ocean—The Last Frontier: the Polynesians explore and populate a vast open world without a map, then Captain Cook maps vast sections of the Pacific

• Arctic Ocean—Northwest Passage: 500 years of searching for the shortcut to China

• All Oceans—Mapping the Vast Expanse: 19th century cartographers’ and present-day scientists’ efforts to map the largest part to the world

Our ever-popular master instructor, retired Naval officer and business executive, brings his love of world exploration and history to bear on our nation’s story. Limit 50. 6 Classes.

Todd Clayton
10:00—Noon Tuesday, Starts Sept. 16
The Village at The Triangle
4517 Triangle Avenue (78751)