Windjammers tells the stories of the men and women whose sense of adventure took them to experience one of the most world’s dangerous sailing routes. Visit the SA Maritime Museum to learn about the tall ships, people and stories from 1949 when the Last Grain Race was run from South Australia to England.

Explore the historic concepts of: Significance Evidence Perspectives Continuity and Change Cause and Effect Empathy Contestability Identity

Pre Visit: Plot the route of the Last Grain Race by Identifying the following locations on a world map:

(Port Victoria - South Australia, Southern tip of New Zealand, Great Southern Ocean, Argentina - South America, Brazil, South Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic ocean, Falmouth Bay, United Kingdom)

Locate Cape Horn, at the southernmost tip of South America. It is an oceanic legend and said to be one of the most challenging nautical routes on the planet with recurrent icebergs, huge waves and plagued by gale-force winds.

The Second World War brought about significant social, political and economic change for Australia. Post-war, the Australian people endured housing shortages, rationing, strikes and government attempts to nationalise private banks. These events led to unrest and instability within the community. Post-war Australia also experienced the resettling of European war refugees through the assisted immigration program. Select one of the events that impacted on the lives of Australian post World War II to explore the concepts of continuity and change.

Use a fishbone to unpack the cause and effect of World War II on Australia.

Windjammers – Education

Look at the photographs in the exhibition and select one that stands out for you. Take a photo of it, or mark the photograph if it is below.

Why did you select this image?

How does this image make you feel?

How does this image represent the young sailor’s spirit and sense of adventure?

View the other exhibits in the museum and identify objects and artefacts related to the image that you selected. Give reasons for your choices.

Perspective : View the video that tells the stories of Keith McKoy and Betty Northmore. Keith was a young 19 year old, and Betty, a lady in her 40s. Listen to their experiences and complete the Venn Diagram below.

Keith Betty

How have journeys changed since the days of sailing ships?

Do you think young people still share the same sense of adventure as the men and women featured in this exhibition? Give reasons for your response.