Sail & Steam: Trading Vessels to Georges Bay 1833-1958

Sail and Steam tells the fascinating story of the small shallow-draught ships that were once the lifeblood of northeast Tasmanian communities. Noted Tasmanian historian Garry Richardson once again demonstrates his meticulous research skills by augmenting the narrative with extensive specifications, copies of documents and images.

Part One of the book covers the vessels that worked in the nineteenth century and Part Two records twentieth century Georges Bay arrivals. In recounting the stories the book not only covers the association of each vessel with the area but also its history and that of the seafarers that sailed aboard. Part Three gives a detailed account of two important vessels built in St Helens – the 1943 auxiliary ketch Arga and the 1947 auxiliary schooner Argonaut II.

Sail and Steam, a worthy addition to the maritime literature of Tasmania, is Garry Richardson’s fourth publication with Forty South Publishing. His previous books include Tin Mountain:The European and Chinese History of the Blue Tier, Poimena and Weldborough (2014) and The Harbour: The History of Binalong Bay and Humbug Point North-East Tasmania (2010).