Australia is and always has been a maritime nation. From the earliest days of European settlement, the people of Australia have looked to the sea for their security. Protection was first provided under the umbrella of Imperial Defence and the Royal Navy. Later, as the nation matured, the need was identified to establish a local navy, manned and commanded by Australians.
The essays contained in this book originated at a conference held in Canberra in July 1997 and are now presented in an expanded and enhandced from.
From the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 and through the 200 years since, Australias development has always been linked with things maritime. Australian Ships is a book about Australias maritime heritage-the events and the vessels-ans it is intended for all ship-lovers whose intersts lie with the once majestic sailing fleets.
The Time when Russia Could be kept out of the worlds oceans has gone forever. The imperialists can no longer have them to themselves. wen shall sail all the worlds seas no force on earth can prevent us.