The Age of Sail Trivia Quiz

Answer: James Caird

Shackleton sailed in the James Caird, one of the lifeboats of the Endurance.
The Caird was named after Sir James Caird who helped fund Shackleton's expedition.

Answer: Horatio Nelson

Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson was the commander of the British navy at the Battle of Trafalgar. Captain Thomas Hardy commanded the Victory--Nelson's flagship--and made frequent visits to Nelson in the casualty post that was set up in the midshipmen's quarters. Nelson believed himself to be dying quickly, but lived for about three hours after being shot.

Answer: Guerriere

The USS Constitution was given her nickname because the Guerriere's cannon balls fell short, or bounced off the "Conny's" hull--prompting her crew to cheer during the engagement. The Guerriere's mizzen mast and most of her rigging were destroyed during the battle with the Constitution.

When the Guerriere surrendered, the American sailors found her in such a bad condition that they transferred all of the prisoners and burned the British 49-gun frigate.

Answer: Bluenose

The Bluenose has been featured on Canadian dimes, stamps, and is prominent in Canadian Maritime history. The original Bluenose was sold and was eventually lost off the coast of Haiti in 1946. The Halifax Herald wrote at the time: "Her passing is a national sorrow; the ignominy of her death, a national shame."
On July 24, 1963 the Bluenose II, a near exact replica of the original was launched in Lunenburg.

Answer: HMS Beagle

The HMS Beagle was a British brig-sloop of the Royal Navy. It participated in the coronation of King George IV as part of a fleet review.
The Beagle was involved with three surveying and exploration expeditions--the second being Darwin's.

Answer: A group of sailors charged with forcing civilians into naval service.

As a young,(relatively--press gangs would take men up to 55) able-bodied man during the Age of Sail--the Press-Gang could be absolutely terrifying. Many regarded it as nothing short of "legalized slavery". A man could expect to serve the navy after being pressed until the conclusion of the conflict. The only way out was death, desertion, or being declared unfit for service.

Answer: He was killed by native Hawaiians while trying to launch a boat.

While Cook was in Hawaii a boat was stolen by the Native population. As was the custom of the time, crews would take hostages until the boat or property was returned. Cook was killed after going ashore to try and collect hostages.
There is some dispute as to why Cook was killed--as the Native Hawaiians regarded Cook as friendly.

Answer: HMS Justinian and Captain Keene

C.S. Forester (1899-1966) wrote eleven "Hornblower" books. He also wrote "The African Queen".
In "Mr. Midshipman Hornblower" Horatio joins the Justinian as a 17 year old Midshipman under Captain Keene. After an insult and a duel gone awry, Hornblower is offered a position on the Indefatigable with Captain Pellew.
Captain Jack Aubrey is another fictional navy man created by Patrick O'Brian.

Answer: Thomas Cochrane

It has been argued that Cochrane was as good--if not better--than Nelson at naval combat.
A famous engagement was against a French fleet at Basque Roads, where Cochrane sent fireships to destroy the French vessels.
It is widely believed that Cochrane is the inspiration for both Horatio Hornblower and Jack Aubrey.

Answer: Uncertain place in Scotland, and London, England

William Kidd was tried and convicted as a pirate in 1701. He was held in Newgate prison, and executed by hanging in London. His remains were placed in a gibbet and posted near the Thames as a warning to those that would attempt the life of a pirate.
A recent biography of Kidd contests the claim that he was erroneously accused of being a pirate, and was the unfortunate victim of mutinies and double-dealing by his sponsors.