The Sail and Steam Navy List

The Sail and Steam Navy List is a comprehensive reference work documenting every ship in the Royal Navy from 1815 to 1889. The book contains detailed Admiralty records including construction locations, dates, dimensions, armament, and ultimate fate of each vessel. This historical volume represents the completion of David Lyon's earlier work on sailing vessels, which he was unable to finish before his death in 2000. Co-author Rif Winfield incorporated Lyon's research notes with his own extensive documentation to create this definitive record of naval vessels during the transition from sail to steam power. The book serves as the only complete single-volume reference covering Royal Navy ships across both the late Georgian era and the early-to-middle Victorian period. Its systematic documentation of technical specifications, construction details, and service history makes it an essential resource for naval historians and researchers. Beyond its role as a technical reference, the work captures a pivotal moment in maritime history as naval technology underwent a fundamental transformation from wind power to steam propulsion. This transition period shaped the future of naval warfare and maritime trade.

Naval history enthusiasts and researchers value this book as a detailed reference work documenting British Royal Navy ships from 1815-1889. Reviewers cite the comprehensive technical specifications, disposition records, and career histories for each vessel. Readers appreciate: - Precise construction dates and shipyard information - Complete lists of armaments and modifications - Clear organization by ship class and type - Inclusion of both sail and steam vessels - Cross-referencing between related ships Common criticisms: - High retail price limits accessibility - Some tables and data are densely formatted - Limited illustrations and deck plans - Index could be more detailed Available ratings are limited since this is a specialized reference book: Goodreads: No ratings Amazon UK: 5.0/5 (2 reviews) Amazon US: No ratings One reviewer noted: "An invaluable resource for understanding the Royal Navy's transition period, though the price point makes it better suited for libraries than individual collectors."

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🔹 The first successful steam-powered warship in the Royal Navy, HMS Comet, was launched in 1822 and initially served as a tugboat before being converted for military use. 🔹 David Lyon spent over 30 years working at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, establishing himself as one of Britain's foremost naval historians before his death in 2000. 🔹 The period covered by the book (1815-1889) saw the Royal Navy transition from all-wooden sailing ships to iron-hulled steam vessels, with the last wooden battleship being launched in 1859. 🔹 The research revealed that between 1815-1889, the Royal Navy commissioned over 2,000 vessels, making it by far the largest naval force in the world during this period. 🔹 The book's extensive documentation draws from previously unpublished Admiralty records stored in the National Archives at Kew, including original ship plans and correspondence about vessel modifications.