Table of Contents
What were the 11 ships in the First Fleet used for?
The ships of the fleet, and smaller boats on board, were used to sail up and down the coastline in search of farm land and resources. British naval officers used their navigation, chart making, surveying and sketching skills to record these discoveries and first impressions of all they encountered.
What did the 11 ships carry?
Alexander, weighing in at 452 tons, 114 ft long and 31 ft at the beam, the Alexander was commanded by Master Duncan Sinclair. She carried 192 male convicts and was the largest ship in the fleet.
What happened to the First Fleet ships?
The ships of the First Fleet mostly did not remain in the colony. Some returned to England, while others left for other ports. Some remained at the service of the Governor of the colony for some months: some of these were sent to Norfolk Island where a second penal colony was established.
Who was the commander of the eleven ships?
The Eleven Ships. Alexander, weighing in at 452 tons, 114 ft long and 31 ft at the beam, the Alexander was commanded by Master Duncan Sinclair.
How many ships were in the First Fleet?
At the time of the First Fleet’s voyage there were some 12,000 British commercial and naval ships plying the world’s oceans. The fleet of 11 ships that made its way to Botany Bay was comparatively small given the nature of its mission.
What kind of ships were used in the age of discovery?
By the time of the Age of Discovery —starting in the 15th century—square-rigged, multi-masted vessels were the norm and were guided by navigation techniques that included the magnetic compass and making sightings of the sun and stars that allowed transoceanic voyages.
What was the history of ships in medieval times?
As marine history and along with it, the history of ships unfolds; it draws images of intrigue and amazement at the expert and diligent craftsmanship of the ancient mariners. The medieval ships were clinker built, which refers to the clenching of nail -on technique used for securing planks.