In the late 1990s, Patrick O’Brian’s beloved Aubrey/Maturin nautical historical novels were heading for the big screen. With director Peter Weir at the helm, all was in place for the film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World to set sail – except the most important element from the novels: HMS Surprise.

The Rose, the replica 18th-century warship bought for the production, was in Rhode Island, two oceans and thousands of miles from Hollywood.

Will Sofrin, author and, at the time, 21-year-old wooden boat builder and yacht racer, was part of the crew who sailed the Rose to the filming site.

To celebrate the release of his book All Hands on Deck: A Modern-Day High Seas Adventure to the Far Side of the World that documents the trip, Will Sofrin joined us to share stories of the journey, the challenges of 18th-century sailing, and video footage of some of the storms he faced.

This is a Members event first streamed live on 17 October 2023.

Watch the discussion

What’s On

More Member events at Royal Museums Greenwich.

New Members' Tour
Talks and tours | Member events

New Members' Tour

Embark on a voyage of discovery around the Museum in the company of one of our volunteer guides
Various dates | 11am - 12pm
Free for Members | Booking essential
In Greenwich
James Webb Space Telescope: three years on
Talks and tours | Member events

James Webb Space Telescope: three years on

Join us for an online Members lecture to learn more about the James Webb Space Telescope three years after its launch with a Royal Observatory astronomer
Thursday 30 January 2025 l 6.30pm-7.30pm
Free for Members
Online
Members' crafting
Family fun | Member events

Members' crafting

Join us for exclusive craft workshops, just for Members.
Every other month | 11am-11.45am, 12.15pm-1pm, 1.30pm-2.15pm, 2.45pm-3.30pm
Free for Family Members – booking required
In Greenwich
Ends of the Earth
Talks and tours | Member events

Ends of the Earth

Hear from author Neil Shubin about the polar regions and how they may shape life on Earth far more than we realise.
Thursday 13 February 2025 l 6.30pm-7.30pm
Free for Members
Online