Midshipman at the wheel of a sailing vessel, with the caption: 'Nothing off Boy Luff'

Bound with PAH4887-PAH4943. A midshipman at the helm of a small naval vessel in the 1790s, showing the double wheel then in use on many ships (for bad-weather control by up to four men) the binnacle lower right and a log-line on a reel set in the taffrail behind, to the left of the port boat davit. The box arrangement behind the cabin skylight may be a chicken coop. The caption ('Nothing off Boy, Luff') refers to the tendency of the vessel to fall away from the wind, requiring some exertion by the helmsman to luff-up in order to hold the required compass course. The binnacle is of the type holding two compasses with a lamp between them for night-time illumination, as shown by the small central heat-grill on top above the lamp. [PvdM 10/12]

Object Details

ID: PAH4886
Type: Drawing
Display location: Not on display
Date made: 1790s
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Sheet: 170 x 252 mm;
Parts: Ships and crew members. HMS Andromeda, Queen Charlotte, Pegasus, Heroine, etc (Album)
Close

Your Request

If an item is shown as “offsite”, please allow eight days for your order to be processed. For further information, please contact Archive staff:

Email:
Tel: (during Library opening hours)

Click “Continue” below to continue processing your order with the Library team.

Continue