Exclusive Weekend Offered For Fans Of Naval Novelist

A lower gundeck dinner in HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, is the centrepiece of a weekend in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard devoted to the leading fictional chronicler of Nelson’s Navy, Patrick O’Brian.

Brought to a new generation of fans by the film Master and Commander, starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany, Patrick O’Brian wrote a total of 20 books featuring Captain ‘Lucky’ Jack Aubrey and his constant companion, the surgeon, naturalist and part-time intelligence agent, Stephen Maturin. They have been described as the finest historical novels ever written. 

The weekend, which runs from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th March 2010 inclusive, is being organised by the Royal Naval Museum, which is located in 18th Century Storehouses at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. In addition to the unique and exclusive HMS Victory dinner and meals over the weekend, other highlights include a concert of music and readings from the novels, and lectures by leading historians on the Navy of the period. Plus, entry to all Historic Dockyard attractions and Spinnaker Tower

“The aim is to celebrate Patrick O’Brian and the Navy he loved so much,” says Mrs Sue Goodger, the Museum’s Events Co-ordinator. “The first weekend a couple of years ago was intended to be a one-off, but we all enjoyed it so much that it has become a regular event. We get participants from all over the world, especially the United States.”

Places cost £450 per person (accommodation not included).

The Royal Naval Museum is a registered charity (No 266563) and proceeds from this event will support its work in preserving and presenting Naval history for the benefit of all.

For further information on booking please contact Mrs Sue Goodger at the Royal Naval Museum, HM Naval Base (PP66), Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3NH, UK (Tel: 023-9272-7583); e-mail: sue.goodger@royalnavalmuseum.org