Norfolk
Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 9:55 am
The Norfolk was a 25-ton sloop, built on the island in 1798 by Capt. Townson. She sailed on her maiden voyage to Sydney in June of that year. On her arrival it was decided that she should be fitted out for a voyage to confirm the discovery of Bass Strait, with Matthew Flinders in command. She left Sydney on October 7, 1798, Flinders having with him George Bass and a crew of eight men. They successfully circumnavigated Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania), returning to Sydney on January 12, 1799.
As no contemporary picture of The Norfolk could be found, the stamp designer worked from pictures and information of similar vessels supplied by the State Library of Tasmania and the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.
SG81, SG684ms Sea Breezes 12/67