Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/785757
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 12 FEBRUARY 2017 39 This Week THE 15th of August. The Day of the 'Santa Marija' Convoy. The people were descending a lot later than usual. It was almost as if lethargy overtook them, or perhaps they simply felt a lot calmer than usual on that day. Those that de- scended upon the shore all carried stories with them; colourful happenings from various countries. Each of them with their own lifestyles, and each of them with their own memories; their happiness and their grief. But the sea is indifferent to our plight. With its long fingers it will embrace an- yone who plunges into it… and paint their destiny on the sands of the shore. The latest in Melitensia from BDL Books A taste of some of the latest releases from the BDL stable F'Xatt id-Destin by Ivan Debattista The Fleet of the Knights of Malta by Joseph F. Grima THE starting point for this study is the beginning of the 18th century, when the Order of St John introduced its second element to the fleet: the so-called vascelli squadron. The fleet was composed of men-of- war and galleys, divided into two distinct squadrons that could oper- ate individually or together but which necessitated the formation of two organisational set-ups. Part I of the book deals with the actual vessels – the galleys, the third-rates and the frigates with their uses, advantages, shortcomings, replacements, costs, maintenance and shore-based administration including the organising commission- ers and their secretariats, with their checks and balances designed to promote smooth organisation and prevent fraud. Part II deals with the actual 'muscle' of the warships – the personnel serving on board who include the Officer-Knights, technical and deck officers, all crewmen, oarsmen, and officials together with the religious and material considerations including discipline, health and a social as- pect where possible.