From the story of the world's only surviving tea clipper, Cutty Sark, and the voyages of discovery made by Captain Cook's sloop HMS Resolution, to the evolution of shipbuilding and design through the ages, we delve into the fascinating history of ships and boats.

How to make a log line
Follow these instructions for making a nautical log line
Knots: measuring speed at sea
You've most probably heard the term ‘knots’ referring to the unit in which a ship’s speed is measured. Learn more about the origin of the term and how knots are measured.
13 Jul 2023
Reviewing the fleet
Material from the printed and manuscript collections of the Caird Library and Archive offers a window to the grand naval spectacles of the past
The ships of the Windrush generation
The Empire Windrush wasn't the only ship to carry Caribbean passengers to the UK. Find out more about the vessels and people that helped to shape modern Britain
19 Dec 2022
Crossing the line
Time at sea is by its very nature isolating, and even on a very short voyage a strong sense of community, albeit a temporary one, is often created. Traditions, ritual and celebrations are an important part of ensuring unity and staving off boredom.
HMS Challenger: a trailblazer for modern ocean science
150 years ago, HMS Challenger departed England on a quest to explore the world’s oceans. Its impact is still felt today
The sinking of HMS Gloucester
Disputes, disaster and destruction: uncover the events that led to the wrecking of the 17th century warship
23 May 2022
The sinking of the Atlantic Conveyor: Falklands conflict oral history
Naval volunteer Howard Ormerod shares his memories of 25 May 1982, when a container ship requisitioned by the British government was hit and sunk by Argentinian forces.
Where is the HMM Algeciras now?
Track the largest container ship in the world using the interactive map
11 Mar 2022
What the Endurance shipwreck discovery tells us about the ship's final hours
For more than a century, the wreck of Shackleton's ship Endurance has lain undisturbed in the icy waters off Antarctica. Its remarkable preservation is a testament to the ship's original builders and designers.