We were saddened to learn that John Harland has died. He passed away peacefully on May 11th, a few days after his ninety-fifth birthday. After a career in medicine, Dr. Harland became known as a researcher and author on maritime history. His book, Seamanship in the Age of Sail: An Account of the Shiphandling of the Sailing Man-of-War 1600-1860, Based on Contemporary Sources, illustrated by Mark Myers, is an encyclopedic and indispensable resource for anyone interested in the development and the details of sailing rigs in the age of sail. Beyond enjoying and relying on his work, I exchanged a few emails with Dr. Harland over the years and always found him to be incredibly knowledgeable, witty, and generous. He will be missed.
The Naval Marine Archive — Canadian Collection has posted an obituary for John Harford Harland, which reads in part: