Under Full Sail by Rob Mundle delves into the transformative era of the 19th century when clipper ships revolutionized travel to Australia. These vessels, renowned for their speed, reduced the arduous journey from England to Australia from four months to just over two, facilitating a significant wave of migration. Mundle narrates the experiences of over a million Australians who can trace their ancestry to these voyages, highlighting the ships’ roles in the nation’s development.
The book is rich with tales of the magnificent ships and the fearless characters who sailed them, such as Englishman Bully Forbes and American Bully Waterman, who pushed their vessels to the limit. It also addresses the tragic legacy of the many shipwrecks that were part of this era.
Mundle’s background as a yachtsman and maritime commentator lends authenticity and depth to his writing, although it led to him occasionally becoming bogged down in detail. However overall, Under Full Sail offers a compelling look at how clipper ships and their daring crews played a crucial role in shaping Australia’s history, making it a valuable read for those interested in maritime history and the nation’s colonial past.
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