His ocean voyaging came to an end in 2002, but at the age of 91 he thinks nothing of travelling by air, down to Florida to spend time with his old friend, John Stobarr, and out to Australia, where hi s paintings hang in the major public museums and art galleries, and where he still h as a legion of frien ds and admirers. Oswa ld Brett's life serves as a beacon for all those with a dream of the sea. "Don't wait for yo ur ship to come in," he says firm ly, "swim out after it." .:t Bruce Stannard is an awardwinning author and journalist with a lifetime interest in maritime heritage. He haspublished ten books on maritime subjects from marine artists to the America's Cup; his latest is Oswald Brett: Marine Artist, published by Maritime H eritage Press and available online at www. maritimeheritagepress. com.
The Barque James Craig in a stiff southerly breeze off Sydney, Australia, c. 1920. The 1874 iron-hulled ship was acquired and restored by the Sydney Heritage Fleet in the 1980s and '90s and today operates as a fully operational sailing ship.
The American Brig Philadelphia Outward Bound from Sydney towards Norfolk Island, 1792. Oil on canvas (1975) The Philadelp hia was the first American ship to visit the newly established British colony at Sydney Cove in Australia. She brought muchneeded supplies and was chartered by Governor Phillip to take government surveyors to Norfolk Island.
SEA HISTORY 140, AUTUMN 2012
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