‘Spring garden cruise’: a leisurely cruise up the Lane Cove River on historic ferry Lithgow, with a botanical and historical commentary by award-winning gardener and photographer Adam Woodhams (15/10/11)
‘Midget submarine attack anniversary cruise': cruise to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Japanese midget submarine attack on Sydney Harbour, led by senior curator Lindsey Shaw (02/06/12)
‘Garden Island naval heritage tour': a cruise to Garden Island and behind-the-scenes guided tour of the island’s heritage precinct with representatives of the Naval Historical Society of Australia (20/13/11)
‘Transit of Venus dinner’: drinks on board HMB Endeavour followed by dinner, with stories from the crew of the vessel’s voyage to Lord Howe Island to view the Transit of Venus with speakers, Endeavour’s master Capt Ross Mattson and Sydney Observatory astronomer Carlos Bacigalupo, who led observations on the Transit voyage (17/06/12)
‘Research vessel Whale Song: a talk by Curt and Mitch Jenner about the behavioural impact on humpback whales of seismic guns used in mining exploration, followed by an inspection of the 13.25-metre vessel, operated by the non-profit Centre for Whale Research (Western Australia) Inc (18/12/11) ‘Sydney to Hobart race start cruise’: a farewell to the Sydney to Hobart fleet on board the luxury ferry MV Bennelong (26/12/11) ‘Australia Day ferry cruise’: cruise on MV Princess to celebrate Australia Day, viewing the Ferrython, Navy and Air Force flyovers and the huge and colourful spectator fleet (26/01/12) ‘Australia Day family ferry cruise’: a shorter, family cruise on the MV Regal, with on board entertainment for children (26/03/12) ‘Buster Keaton on water’: screening of silent nautical film snippets from the Buster Keaton Collection, accompanied by pianist Mauro Colombis, and viewing of AQUA: A Journey into the World of Water, in conjunction with the National Film and Sound Archive (09/02/12) ‘Valentine’s Day cruise’: a cruise on the 1902-built steamer Lady Hopetoun, including a talk by Sydney Heritage Fleet representatives on the vessel's history as a NSW Government VIP launch and her restoration by the SHF (14/02/12) 'America’s Cup legends': 12-Metre class racing yachts KA5 Australia and KA14 Steak n Kidney visit the museum, with a talk by Ben Morgan, President of the Australian 12-Metre Historic Trust about the challenges of the 1970s and 80s (04/03/12) ‘Family cruise to Clarke Island’: a cruise to Sydney Harbour's Clarke Island on a Rosman ferry, hearing little-known stories of Rosman’s history and the harbour, with a picnic on the island (17/03/12) Trainee pirate cruise’: family pirate-themed cruise on the Southern Swan, including BBQ lunch (13/04/12) ‘Garden Island naval heritage tour’: a cruise to Garden Island and behind-the-scenes guided tour of the island’s heritage precinct with representatives of the Naval Historical Society of Australia (19/04/12) ‘Welcome home to HMB Endeavourbreakfast cruise on James Craig to welcome the replica back to Sydney after her historic circumnavigation of Australia (21/05/12)
Exclusive Members programs ‘Annual HMAS Vampire wardroom naval mess dinner’: annual black-tie dinner celebrating Vampire's RAN service, with dinner president, Vampire's former Commanding Officer (08/07/11) ‘Foundation and Life Members 20th-anniversary cocktail party': celebrating the museum’s 20th anniversary, with chairman Peter Dexter and director Mary-Louise Williams (17/11/H) ‘Wharf 7 Heritage Centre behind-the-scenes tour’: viewing of National Maritime Collection storage areas not usually accessible to the public, with a talk by conservation manager Jonathan London and a viewing of treasures from the Vaughan Evans Library (18/11/H) ‘20th Members anniversary lunch’: annual Members lunch with special guest speaker, media personality and author Mike Carlton (27/11/H) AQUA: A Journey into the World of Water’: exclusive Members preview of this temporary exhibition with technical director Martin Fassier (02/12/11)
Public programs - adult ‘Sunset sustainable seafood dinner’: With Crave/Sydney International Food Festival, sustainable Australian seafood on board HMAS Vampire, menu by chef Tom Kime of Fish & Co and author of Fish Tales, catering by Laissez-faire, supported by the Australian Marine Conservation Society (19/10/11) ‘Dutch Yuletide and champagne shopping night’: traditional Dutch Christmas celebration, including an appearance by Sinterklaas, the Dutch St Nicholas, and hot chocolate on board Duyfken (15/12/11) 'AQUA sustainable agriculture tour’: a wine and food tasting tour of the Hunter Valley, emphasising organic farming and responsible use of water, including a behind-the-scenes tour of a boutique winery and tasting of local cheeses and produce (26/02/12) ‘Lady Denman centenary’: WEA partner program day-trip to the Lady Denman Heritage Complex in Huskisson to see the historic ferry Lady Denman, with a guided tour of exhibitions and a talk by ARHV curator David Payne (05/04/12)
4 Appendixes 2 Visitor and Member programs
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