Matthew Flinders early life

When Matthew Flinders was a boy in England he read the book "Robinson Crusoe". From that time on, he dreamed of exotic desert islands and faraway places and wished to sail the seas. A the age of 15 he became a lieutenant's servant on a sail-ship called Alert. There, he learned about sailing and daily shipboard life. He also studied, mathematics, astronomy and navigation. George Bass, who was 3 years older than Matthew Flinders, was a doctor. He also had passion for the sea, and longed to see exciting new places. In 1794, both of them met on a ship called "Reliance", it was taking them to Sydney. George Bass aged 23, was the ship's surgeon. And Matthew Flinders aged 20, was an officer. During the long voyage, they had a chance to talk about their shared dreams and thoughts. Soon they became the very best of friends.
George Bass wanted to do some exploring when they arrived to Australia, so he had brought with him a small rowing boat, the "Tom Thumb". They soon set off on voyages together.