Vision of the Seas is a Vision-classcruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International, the last of her class. She is also the namesake of her class. Her maiden voyage began on May 2, 1998, following which she sailed for a year in Europe before being moved to other routes. read more…
HMT Empire Windrush was a passengermotor ship that was launched in Germany in 1930 as the MV Monte Rosa. She was built as an ocean liner for the German shipping company Hamburg Süd. They used the ship to carry German emigrants to South America, and as a cruise ship. During World War II, she was taken over by the German navy and used as a troopship. During the war, she survived two Allied attempts to sink her. read more…
A Thames sailing barge is a type of commercial sailing boat once common on the River Thames in London. The flat-bottomedbarges, with a shallow draught and leeboards, were perfectly adapted to the Thames Estuary, with its shallow waters and narrow tributary rivers. The larger barges were seaworthy vessels, and were the largest sailing vessel to be handled by just two men. The average size was about 120 tons and they carried 4,200 square feet (390 m²) of canvas sail in six working sails. The mainsail was loose-footed and set up with a sprit, and was brailed to the mast when not needed. It is sheeted to a horse, as is the foresail; they require no attention when tacking. The foresail is often held back by the mate to help the vessel come about more swiftly. read more…
