A Biography of an Unprecedented Expedition Under SailRob's FIRST FLEET tells the extraordinary story of the eighteenth century convoy of eleven ships that left England on 13 May 1787 for the 'lands beyond the seas'.Aboard were seafarers, convicts, marines, and a few good citizens -some 1300 in all - who had been consigned to a virtually unknown land on the opposite side of the world where they would establish a penal colony, and a nation.The fleet stopped at Tenerife, Rio de Janeiro and Cape Town before sailing across the notorious and challenging Southern Ocean, bound for Botany Bay.Somehow, all 11 ships arrived safely between 18 and 20 January, 1788. But, it's what happened during 252 days at sea while sailing half way around the world, and subsequently on land, that is almost beyond belief.No nation has ever been founded in such a courageous and dangerous manner. It's the basis for one hell of an adventure.Author : Rob MundlePaperback : 368 PagesSKU : P3005About the Author ROB MUNDLE OAM is a journalist, broadcaster and bestselling author who grew up on Sydney's northside, initially in Cremorne, then on the northern beaches. His sailing career started as a four-year-old in a tiny sandpit sailboat he shared with his younger brothers, Dennis and Bruce, and the family cat.A veteran media commentator and competitive sailor, widely regarded as Australia's 'voice of sailing', Rob was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for in recognition of his services to sailing and journalism, in 2013.Rob is the author of 18 books including his maritime history bestsellers - Bligh, Flinders, Cook, The First Fleet, Great South Land and Under Full Sail. His book on the tragic 54th Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, Fatal Storm, became an international bestseller and was published in six languages.A competitive sailor since the age of 11, Rob has reported on seven America's Cup matches (including the live international television coverage of Australia's historic victory in 1983), four Olympics and numerous other major events, including the Sydney-Hobart classic for 50 years.
