Surgery on the High Seas

Brig Niagara

Learning about the Age of Sail certainly doesn't end with events on land. Volunteers from around the world have devoted countless hours to the meticulous restoration, upkeep, and even reconstruction of real life tall ships under sail from 1812 and beyond for all to see, tour, and even sail aboard!

From the Niagara site: 

“We Have Met the Enemy and They Are Ours . . .”

The U.S. Brig Niagara, home-ported in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the reconstructed relief flagship of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. She is the embodiment of the dual mission of the Erie Maritime Museum and the Flagship Niagara League: she is both a historical artifact and a vehicle for sail training, an experiential learning process that preserves the skills of square-rig seamanship.

Visit the Niagara's website.

Portsmouth Point

Portsmouth Point- The Navy in Fiction 1793-1815
By C. Northcote Parkinson
a VERY brief book review by Tony Gerard

   This is an odd book, but worth the read. I THOUGHT it was going to be short stories with a naval theme written between 1793 and 1815.  It’s not. Instead it is broken down into chapters dealing with some aspect of naval life- such as “The Marines”, “The Food”, “Prize Money”. etc. Each chapter has a short introduction written by Parkinson, then several exerts from period novels dealing with the chapter topic. How odd that someone would choose present historic education like this rather than using exerts of period narratives! It’s still a fun and easy (and educational) read.

Young Nelsons

Young Nelsons – Boy Sailors during the Napoleonic Wars 

by D.A.B. Ronald

A brief book review by Tony Gerard

 This was an easy book for me to put down. I’m not saying it was bad- just not overly interesting. It should really have been about midshipmen during this period, because that is 90 percent of the content. Ship’s boys get a mention, but that’s about it. I’m not really faulting Ronald for that since information pertaining to them directly is practically nonexistent, but why try and include something on which you have no material?

The book takes a historical timeline approach, following the major events of the war with its chapters. It gives lots of period quotes, which is good, from a number of different midshipmen. However I never really felt I got a good feel for any particular individual, which I think would have made the book a more interesting read. I don’t “not recommend” this book, especially for someone doing a midshipman impression, I just don’t think it should be top of your “to read” list. That place should be reserved for “Jack Tar” by Roy and Leslie Adkins.

Welcome Aboard!

Welcome aboard HMS Acasta! 

The purpose of HMS ACASTA and the ROYAL TARS of OLD ENGLAND is to accurately portray a crew of His Majesty's Royal Navy circa 1800-1810 for the educational benefit of the public and for the mutual research and enjoyment of the individual members.

Our organization will educate via a series of first person activities designed to demonstrate the real lives of sailors as they go about their business and live their lives. Landing Parties, Surveying Crews, Recruitment Drives, Press Gangs, Shore Leave... these are but a few of the activities that our crew will undertake whilst encamped at an event. During duty hours, we follow proper Navy protocols and sailors are expected to live a sailor's life.

The eclectic band of historical reenactors and interpreters that makes up the 'CREW' of HMS Acasta spans a wide spectrum of real life occupations.

We are made up of students, educators, academics (a surprising number of us are teachers) even a Ph.D., present and former Coast Guard and U.S. Naval men, artists & artisans, tailors, musicians, professionals & executives. We even have a freelance copywriter, farrier & presidential presenter thrown into the mix for good measure! (hint: look for the fellow that looks like Jackson from the twenty dollar bill!)

What does this odd lot all have in common? A love for the history of the Royal Navy and passing it on in a unique way to the public.

If you enjoy reading the adventures of HMS Acasta, be certain to become an honorary member of the crew. This is a easy way to show us that you're out there and paying attention. It is a simple matter really, there is a blue button at the bottom of the page that will allow you to join.

And Second, I would ask that you comment from time to time on the posts that interest you the most. This is an excellent way to let the crew of the Acasta know what you, the reader, is the most interested in seeing. It is always most gratifying to know what the readers like. For those of you that have commented in the past, we thank you for you support and interest!

If you find a post that you are particularly fond of... be sure to share a link with your friends, over Facebook, Tumblr, Google Plus, etc. so they can enjoy it too!

You can also find the Acastas on INSTAGRAM where we post images of life in the Royal Navy circa 1800-1810. It is our goal to have these images be as if you are looking through a window in time. Give us a follow and keep up with all things Acasta!

The Acasta log is generally updated every weekday at 8am CST, visit back often, and encourage your History/Royal Navy friends to visit us.

Thanks for reading!

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Privateer Lynx

USS Hornet

In an effort to find and offer links to all the Tall Ships of the period out there that we can find, we will, from time to time, offer images and links to the various existing tall ships (or ships under construction) for your enjoyment.

From the USS Hornet's website:  During the War of 1812 this “vicious little ship” gained a reputation for “speedily running her challengers under”. In the entire conflict, she is one of only two vessels whose commanders were awarded Congressional Gold Medals for multiple victories – the other being the legendary USS Constitution herself. 

But victory at sea is only a part of this ship’s amazing story. Through feats of seamanship, daring and perseverance, Hornet’s crew built a heritage of excellence that has resonated through two centuries and remains ingrained in the U.S. Navy today. 

Today, the Naval Heritage Society is on a mission to build a full-scale, fully functional replica of this legendary ship. The completed vessel will serve as home of a revolutionary series of teamwork and leadership programs based on naval discipline and tradition. To learn more about this project, click on the links below. 

Naval Heritage Society