All at Sea – books with a maritime flavour

The Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network (MMHN) invites you a free event aptly titled All at Sea.

MMHN is delighted to collaborate for the first time with The Melbourne Athenaeum Library and Rare Books Melbourne. This library is a must-see in Melbourne. Read about its history.  

• When: Tuesday, August 13, 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
• Where:  The Melbourne Athenaeum Library, Level 1, 118 Collins St, Melbourne.

Join us and enjoy an exploration of literature with a strong maritime setting. From the beginnings of the novel in the 17th century until the present day, the sea has provided a compelling backdrop for storytelling-tales of adventure and derring-do through romance and philosophy to historical, political and geographical drama. The allure of the sea is strong.

Explore the exploits of well-known heroes such as Hornblower, Aubrey, and Kydd and forgotten heroes like Frank Mildmay, Jack Saunders and Peter Simple, and the unforgettable villains Hook, Queeg and Long John Silver. Presented by renown Melbourne book collector Prof. Chris Browne from his own extensive library. For catering purposes, book: trybooking.com/CTMZH    

The Olympics have begun – water sports have historical links

Whether sailing or rowing or canoeing or punting, expertise on the water has shaped Melbourne. As an island nation, our bountiful inland waterways and surrounding oceans enabled Indigenous people to thrive.

Europeans came by sea. Exploration took great navigational and sailing skills. Colonial settlement in the 19th century in a city which spanned a river meant that water transportation was crucial.

Rowing was not only a profitable commercial activity in Melbourne but was also an immensely popular recreational pastime. Amateur rowing blossomed in Victoria more than in any other state and many rowing clubs were established.

This enthusiasm for rowing led to the first amateur competitive river race in Australia being held on the Birrarung/Yarra on August 2, 1840 – a mere five years after European settlement began on the banks of the river in Melbourne.

Burgeoning Maritime Trade, initially on the river wharves on both sides of the river, and later the Coode Scheme river widening and straightening works and excavation Victoria Harbour became basis of the port of Melbourne’s prosperity. Today, the port, is further downstream beyond the Bolte Bridge yet maritime trade is still driving Victoria’s prosperity.

Now let’s make the leap from 19th century waterways of Melbourne to the Paris Olympics Games!

No matter what level of enthusiasm you have for the Paris Olympics Games, remember that there is generally historical basis for the water sports you see today.

Over the ages life, death and prosperity depended on such “sports”. Given this heritage Docklands is so uniquely located on Melbourne’s waterfront. MMHN encourages you to celebrate the water sports connection in Docklands.

Sailing competitions at the 2024 Summer Olympics are scheduled to be held at Marseille Marina. Docklands, of course has its own sailing club. See docklands.yachting.org.au. Canoeing has been in the Olympic Games since the 1936 Games in Berlin, and they were also demonstration sports at the 1924 Games in Paris. The Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium will host rowing, and canoe/kayak competitions – slalom and sprint and new in 2024 Paris Olympics – kayak cross.

Where we might ask, in the Olympic program, is the international competition in dragon boat racing?

Docklands has its own team – the Melbourne Flames. Established in 2005 and one of the most competitive dragon boat clubs in Australia. Successful in local and international dragon boat competitions and current Victorian and Australian champions in numerous categories.

We might also ask why outrigger canoeing is not in the Olympic program? Again, Docklands has its own club: the Melbourne Outrigger Canoe Club. Established in 2003 and located in Docklands for 15 years.

Knowing about sporting heritage adds the enjoyment. •