Maiden Voyage Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July Itinerary A unique weekend tour comprising many and varied events. including a rare opportunity to hear Mr Steven E. Maffeo, author of Most Secret and Confidential, talk about the intelligence activities of Stephen Maturin. Mr Maffeo, an historian and intelligence officer, is travelling from the US specially for this occasion. Saturday 30th June, Greenwich The weekend begins with a guided tour of the Old Royal Naval College, including the spectacular Painted Hall where Nelson's body lay in state after the Battle of Trafalgar. Then an expert will show us around the National Maritime Museum, paying particular attention to exhibits of relevance to Jack Aubrey's commands and adventures. Our guide is a direct descendent of Sir Edward Pellew, a dashing frigate captain and admiral. After a late lunch in Greenwich, we will be shown the chronometer collection in the Royal Observatory, with special regard being given to the models which were most likely to have been used by Jack Aubrey during his voyages. Following the Royal Observatory tour, we'll take refreshments including grog and ship's biscuits in The Wardroom at the Old Royal Navy College. These will be followed by a 45 minute recital from The Becket Quartet, leader Liz MacCarthy. She has selected pieces that Jack and Stephen enjoyed and the Quartet will be playing them on instruments of the period from The Becket Collection at the Royal Academy of Music. After the recital, dinner will be served. The menu will include Swordfish Soup, Lobscouse, Boiled Baby, Custard and, of course, coffee. Then Mr Steven E. Maffeo will address the party with his insights into the real world of intelligence in the age of Nelson's Navy. Steven is Associate Director of Libraries, U.S. Air Force Academy, and his book Most Secret and Confidential , Chatham Publishing, has been lauded. Analyst and author Norman Polmar has rated it one of the top three naval-maritime books of the year. Sunday 1st July, Central London A more relaxed day will begin with a graphic lecture on amputation techniques as practised by Dr Maturin, in the oldest surviving operating theatre in Britain. Volunteers may be needed. Our expert medical historian will also explain the niceties of trepanning, the use and abuse of laudanum and the real role of medicine in the Georgian world. After an early lunch in a Georgian pub, we will travel by public river ferry to Westminster. Mr Jay Reay, author of The Lissun's London Locator, will guide us on foot to many hidden places in the West End which feature in O'Brian's novels. The weekend will finish at Somerset House, on The Strand, once home to so many organisations that loomed large in Jack and Stephen's lives. Cost: The first Lubber's London has an introductory price of £285 per person. This includes all entry fees, expert guides, refreshments, two lunches, concert, dinner, wine with dinner and a ferry transfer on Sunday. It does not include accommodation or alcoholic drinks at lunches. To reserve your place click here. There are only 20 places on this inaugural weekend event. Participants will have to plot their own courses to and from Greenwich on Saturday, to London Bridge on Sunday morning and home from The Strand on Sunday afternoon. Despite the most careful planning, winds can veer unexpectedly. Likewise this itinerary may change due to unforeseen circumstances. To stay in touch, enrol in the Aubrey Maturin Events Intelligence Service which will email despatches wrapped in oiled sailcloth whenever there are changes and additions. There will be a fair amount of walking during the weekend so do wear comfortable shoes. And some of the venues have tight, spiral stairs. Dress code for the concert, dinner and lecture on Saturday is casual. Bookings are now open. To express your interest in other special occasions currently being planned, enrol in the Aubrey Maturin Events Intelligence Service and await further signals. Other weekend events in different parts of the country are being organised. Images of National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory Greenwich Copyright National Maritime Museum, London