The Australian Association for Maritime History: Great Circle

Journal of the Australian Association for Maritime History

A great circle is the intersect of a sphere and a plane going through the centre of that sphere. The shortest distance between two places on earth is represented by the great circle that links them together. Although the geographical and climatological conditions of the earth prevent shipping from following a great circle course for any long distance, the concept is of the greatest importance for ocean-going navigation. Particularly during the heyday of the sailing clippers, masters deviated as little as possible from these magic lines on their charts. As such, THE GREAT CIRCLE symbolises the significance of Australia's maritime links with overseas and indicates the aim of the association to promote the development of Maritime History. Figuratively, THE GREAT CIRCLE expresses also its second objective: to encompass all individuals and groups interested in whatever aspect of Maritime History, both in Australia and abroad.

The five diagrams on the back cover illustrate some of the ships of significance to Australian and global maritime history: a Dutch East-Indiaman (c. 1700), the barque Parmelia (1825-39), a typical four-masted barque (c. 1900), a British battlecruiser of World War I, and the German containership Sydney Express (1970).

Front cover picture courtesy of Rolf Krackowizer