HMS Discovery (1874) to D Murray in February 1902. The 1901 research vessel, built for the British National Antarctic Expedition (1901–1904), incorporated many of the features of "Discovery", as well as taking her name. RRS "Discovery" was commanded by Robert Falcon Scott and took part in the Discovery Investigations from 1924 to 1931. She is now on permanent display at Dundee. Subsequent Royal Research Ships, launched in 1929 and 1962, have also borne the name, as has Space Shuttle "Discovery". HMS Discovery (1874) HMS "Discovery" was a wooden screw storeship, formerly the whaling ship "Bloodhound". She was purchased in 1874 for the British
Winds in the Age of Sail Winds in the Age of Sail The captain of a steam ship naturally chooses the shortest route to his destination. Since a sailing ship is usually pushed by winds and currents, its captain must find a route where the wind will probably blow in the right direction. Tacking, i.e. using contrary wind to pull (sic) the sails, was always possible but wasted time because of the zigzagging required, and this would significantly delay long voyages. The early European explorers were not only looking for new lands. They also had to discover the pattern of winds and currents that would carry