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Club Lunch with Dr Howard Gray | The Story of the Zeewijk

19 May 2026
Join renowned maritime historian Dr Howard Gray at FSC for a fascinating Club Lunch exploring the extraordinary story of the Zeewijk wreck.

The Fremantle Sailing Club is pleased to welcome renowned maritime historian and author Dr Howard Gray as their guest speaker for the next Club Lunch on Wednesday 24 June.

With more than four decades spent exploring the marine ecosystems and maritime history of Western Australia’s coastline, Howard is widely respected for bringing the stories of the coast, shipwrecks and early explorers to life.

For this special presentation, Howard will share the remarkable story of the Dutch ship Zeewijk, which struck a reef at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands on 9 June 1727. What followed was an extraordinary story of resilience, resourcefulness and escape that remains one of the most remarkable chapters in Australian maritime history.

Often overshadowed by the Batavia saga, the story of the Zeewijk will mark its 300th anniversary in 2027, and Howard’s presentation will immerse guests in the events as they unfolded almost three centuries ago.

The event includes a drink on arrival, followed by the presentation and buffet lunch.

All members, guests and visitors are welcome.

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