Ep 9. The Whalers

The Great Ships is an informative television series that explores the history and design of some of the most remarkable vessels ever built. In season 1 episode 9, titled "The Whalers," viewers are taken on a journey to discover the daring and adventurous world of whale hunting.

The episode begins with a brief history of whaling, dating back to the 17th century when it was a major industry. Ships were specifically designed to handle the treacherous conditions of the open sea and to withstand the power of these massive mammals. The episode also touches on the reality that whaling was a dangerous and grueling profession with many fatalities.

The host takes the audience on board a replica of a whaling ship from the 19th century and explains the various components and techniques used by whalers during that time period. The crew's main weapon was a harpoon, which was designed to penetrate the thick blubber layer of the whale and secure it to the ship.

The episode covers the importance of whales in society and their various uses, from lamp oil to soap and corsets. It also touches upon the role of the whaling industry in fueling the economy and its impact on the environment.

Viewers follow the journey of a group of whalers as they embark on a months-long voyage to the Arctic Circle in search of their prized catch. The crew encounters many challenges along the way, including treacherous weather conditions, equipment failures, and illness. The episode highlights the camaraderie and teamwork necessary to survive in such harsh conditions.

Once the crew reaches their destination, viewers are given a glimpse of the actual hunting process. The host explains the various techniques used to locate whales and the danger involved in bringing them on board. The crew's goal is to bring back as much oil and blubber as possible, making every catch essential.

Throughout the episode, The Great Ships highlights the human impact on whale populations and its effect on the industry. The audience is given a glimpse into the debate around whaling and the eventual decline of the industry in the early 20th century.

As the episode comes to a close, viewers witness the grueling process of turning whale blubber into oil and the various byproducts that were derived from it. They are also given a glimpse into the future of whale watching and how the industry has shifted towards conservation.

Overall, "The Whalers" is an informative and engaging episode of The Great Ships that delves into the history and process of whaling. It highlights the importance of this industry in society and its eventual decline due to human impact. The episode showcases the bravery and resilience of whalers and the challenges they faced during their long and dangerous journeys.