Cynthia Harrison

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL NAVY begins with King Henry VIII’s first fleet, moves on to the exploits of Sir Francis Drake, the showdown with Spain’s “invincible” Armada in 1588, Nelson’s success at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, the Dreadnought in 1906, the sinking of the Bismark in WWII, and the Falklands War in 1982.

Throughout history, sailors on the high seas have told stories of giant, solitary waves that came out of nowhere and sank ships. Until recently, these stories were thought to be legends or tall tales. But scientists now know that single waves over 100 feet tall, known as "rogue waves", can arise without warning. These waves are more common than previously thought and pose a grave danger to ships and offshore platforms in their path. This program examines both the science behind rogue waves and current attempts to track them in real time. Also, changes in ship design may give vessels a better chance to survive them.