History of sailing!!!???

[DavidVaughn]

I am working on my degree and hoping that I may pick your mind for some info. I would like to do a report on the history of sailing from the beginning to present day. I.E. If I am not mistaking the original sailors were the Egyptians. Do you have any web sites or books to recommend? I appreciate any comments you may have.

[Jeff_H]

I don''t think that anyone will ever really know who the sailors were but the Egyptians came pretty late in the process of development of sailing craft. Like the bow and arrow, the technology of sailing shows up as spontaneous inventions in a wide range of civilizations.

For example, on the Mediterranian, the Phoenicians and Minoans were very early sailing and trading civilizations. China was known to have developed very early sailing craft in thier own tradition. The Pacific islands are thought to have been populated by very ancient sailing based civilizations. There are pre-historic findings that suggest that there were sailing craft that were used on remote lakes in the Andes''.

I think that you could do a Doctorial Discertaion on "the history of sailing from the beginning to present day" and only scratch the surface.

While this is a topic with a huge amount of depth to it and a topic in which information is still being developed and brought forth, Probably one of the better ''pop'' histories of sailing was "Men, Ships, and the Sea" written in the 1960''s. That said, I have not looked at a copy of that book in decades but my recollection is that book was a bit ethnocentric and perhaps also does not take advantage of information that has come to light in the 40 years since it was written. The Smithsonian Museum had a curator of watercraft who might be able to assist you.

What kind of degree are you seeking?

Good luck
Jeff

[Jeff_H]

You might also try: The Mother of All Maritime Links: John''s Nautical Links List

http://www.boat-links.com/boatlink.html

Jeff

[DavidVaughn]

Jeff,
Thanks for the info. What you said makes sense. I am working on my associates in computer since with a bachelor of since in electrical engineering. I have a 15 month old and one on the way. I am married to a woman who is not so keen on sailing, but she is warming up to it. I have an 18 ft. custom flex and hoping to step up to a 22-25 ft. weekender.

[BigRed56]

Ahoy David, I started it , its mine and if you want to write obout it you''ll have to pay me my roalties. Big Red 56 the Pirate of Pine Island

[DavidVaughn]

ahoy BigRed56
That is an interesting statement. I have read many of your comments, Thus leading me to believe you are a proficient sailor. The question is, are you worth your salt(lol). I would love to hear about some of your adventures in the wide open. That is if you have the time.:-)

[BigRed56]

Ahoy, David Vaughn , Not sure what you mean but this forum does not lend itself well to the length of some of the stories I have written. However your obvious doubt leads me to believe you have some point to make so why not just take your shot, everyone else has, mabye you can fare better! AARRHH Big Red 56 the Pirate of Pine Island

[bmcald]

History channel has a 1-hour show coming up on the history of pleasure boating (power included). Feb 1 at 10PM ET

[DavidVaughn]

Ahoy, Bigred56,
I have indeed read some of your comments made on this forum. I do not intend to take any "shot" I intend just the opposite. I agree with many of your statements; however, they may tend to be a little less than politically correct. Unfortunately I tend to do the same thus leading to sticky places. Again my e-mail is posted and if you have the time I would like to hear of the places and adventures you have been on.

[BigRed56]

Ahoy David, I shall look you up and give you a hail. Forgive me paranoia but the Pirate in me is way to strong at this late date in me life. Big Red 56 the pirate of Pine Island