Have you ever wondered why so many people take on bizarre maritime challenges, like rowing across the Channel in a bathtub, or seeing just how small a boat it is possible to sail across the Atlantic?
An exhibition at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, in Falmouth, “celebrating British eccentricity and the desire to do something different” opens on Saturday.
Appropriately entitled Mad Dogs and Englishmen, the exhibition, which runs until next January, centres on people and their crazy craft involved in daring, different or just plain silly adventures.
You can see Tim FitzHigham and the bath tub he rowed across the English Channel or Hugo Vihlen and Fathe'rs Day, the smallest boat to ever cross the Atlantic, and John Fairfax and Britannia, the first to row single-handed across the Atlantic.
Also new for 2007 is the Falmouth Gallery, highlighting the importance of Falmouth's Maritime history. It incorporates an old curiosity shop, opening in March, displaying weird and wonderful things that sailors traditionally brought from far flung places in the world.
Visitors to the museum can also visit the ongoing boat restoration project and the study boat area, which offers the chance to learn about innovative and ground-breaking boats.
All this as well as breathtaking views from a 29m tower, an underwater viewing tidal zone, hands-on interactive exhibits and the chance to get onto the water and enjoy the delights and wildlife of the coastline.
The best way to get to the museum is by boat. From June to September you can “Park & Float” and sail to the Museum in a classic ferry.
For more information visit www.nmmc.co.uk
