The commercial sailing ship of the early 1800s opened world travel opportunities to the common man. Your horizons were no longer limited to the few miles around your city or farm. Turn your watches back 150 years and transport yourself into the minds of your ancestors deciding how to go from Liverpool to New York, Philadelphia to Boston, New York to the gold fields of California the fastest way…by sea. We will explore life aboard a sailing ship (for both the crew and passengers), how sailing technology eventually gave way to steam, how sail and steam aided in California’s development, how lighthouses evolved, and we’ll see how all of this impacts commercial shipping and competitive sailing today.
Our six sessions:

• Harnessing the Wind—How World Travel Opened for the Common Man

• American Whaling and the Story of the “Essex”– our first oil business

• “Where are We?”—Making ocean voyages safe and America’s lighthouses

• Seeking California and China—Clipper Ships, the Pinnacle of Sailing

• Sail and Steam Tech Evolution—America’s First Hybrid Vehicles

• Commercial Shipping Today and Modern Sailing

Our ever-popular master instructor, retired Naval officer and business executive, brings his love of world exploration and history to bear on our country’s past. Note: There may be no formal break; restrooms are directly across the hall. 6 Classes. Limit 50.

Todd Clayton
10:00—11:30 A.M. Tuesday, Starts Sept. 15
The Village at The Triangle
4517 Triangle Avenue (78751)