Trans RINA, Vol 152, Part A4, Intl J Maritime Eng, Oct-Dec 2010
Figure 1 The Shipwreck by Nicholas Pocock, 1810 (© National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London).
broaching-to was perceived, and dealt with, in the past. Secondly, to trace any seeds of scientific thinking, let pre-mature, about
the nature and dynamics of this
intricate phenomenon. Our historical research runs up to about the year 1860 when the Royal Institution of Naval Architects was established, that opened up the era of more scientifically rigorous investigations
of
dynamics. 2.
THE FIRST RECORD
Captain William Dampier is identified as buccaneer and scientific observer [13]. His claim to fame was that he was the first Englishman to explore certain parts of Australia and New Guinea. At the dusk of 17th century he describes in his book with title “A New Voyage Round the World” 1 his experiences from navigating around the globe (he was the first to go around it three times) and offers the first known citation of the term broaching-to [14]:
“; and besides, often very violent and fierce, so that a Ship with her sails loose, would be in danger to be over- set by them, or at least lose Masts or Yards, or have the Sails split, besides the Consternation that all Men must needs be in at such a time, especially if the Ship, by any unforeseen accident, should prove unruly, as by the mistake of the Man at Helm, or he that Conns, or by her broaching to2 against
all endeavours, which often
happens when a fierce gust comes; which though it does not last long, yet would do much damage in a short time,
1 This book is in fact the one referred-to in the introduction.
2 In the original text it appears as “too”; but it is later corrected in an Errata Table included in the book.
A-164 3
Contributory to the eminence of the geographical spot was Lord Byron’s remark that “In all Attica, if we except Athens itself and Marathon, there is no scene more interesting than Cape Colonna.”; continued by, “for an Englishman Colonna has yet an additional interest as the actual spot of Falconer's shipwreck.” [16].
4 This is today’s island of Crete. ©2010: The Royal Institution of Naval Architects ship 3.
and tho’ all things should fall out well, yet the benefit of it would not compensate the danger:”
THE 18TH CENTURY
3.1 A SAILOR TURNED FAMED POET - FALCONER’S “THE SHIPWRECK”
A celebrated poem written by a sailor, William Falconer, that was published in 1762 under the title ”The shipwreck” describes the poet’s tragic experiences in 1749, on board the foundered ship Britannia [15]. The drama unfolded near to the shore of Attica, off Cape Sounion (known as Cape Colonne or Collona in those days).3 The true story and proceedings surrounding his poem come out from the following extract [17]:
“… he served on board the Britannia, a merchantman, bound from Alexandria to Venice, which touched at the Island of Candia4, whence, proceeding on her voyage, she met with a violent storm, that drove her on the coast of Greece, where she suffered shipwreck near Cape Colonne, three only of the crew being left alive.”
The following passage conveys the anxiety as the final moment is approached: the ship is nearing to the shore at high speed while any attempt to change course is feared to lead to broaching-to [18]:
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