Working Harbours: ‘Mosquito Fleet’ & HMS ‘Sirius’

Peter Rea will present a talk on early Sydney maritime history with fascinating insights into ship building techniques, the importance of trade to the new colony along with stories of shipwrecks and human tragedy.

Peter is an experienced maritime historian, local ferry tour operator and presenter. His museum quality collection of model ships will be on display and include the different types of vessels that sailed up and down the coast to and from Sydney Harbour. Over 600 were built north of Sydney, and were known as the ‘Mosquito Fleet’, many came to grief, and their story is brought to life.

This talk is part of the current exhibition Maritime Mosman and will be followed by a model ship build demonstration. Also on display will be a one-metre-long replica of HMS ‘Sirius’, cross-section and ‘cutter.’ The story of ‘Sirius’ and her connection with Mosman Bay will be discussed.

Free event, bookings essential.