tiabunna's photos with the keyword: clipper

The hold of the Cutty Sark would once have been filled with tea boxes (as painted on the floor) when it was on the China Tea trade (see PiP 1 for some history on that). Later in her career she was used on the Australian wool run (PiP2), setting record times for the trip to the UK. As for the crew, some of the slightly more senior members lived in the cabin shown in PiP3, while the Captain and senior officers used the Mess shown in PiP 4. An 'indoor fence' is a little different! HFF and have a great weekend everyone.

The amount and complexity of the rigging on the Cutty Sark was truly remarkable.

On the Cutty Sark , the masses of ropes and rigging became even more striking. Inside the ship, I found a detailed illustration of it all (see PiP). It's amazing that the crew needed to know all these fittings by name and to be able to adjust them quickly. Best viewed large on black. Explored.

Built for the China tea trade and launched in 1869, the Cutty Sark was intended to be the fastest sailing clipper. She was up against some stiff competition from the likes of the Thermopylae . In their only direct race from China, the Cutty Sark lost her rudder and a new one had to be built and fitted, resulting in her losing by seven days. Unlike the Thermopylae though, she has been preserved. Now on display after being almost destroyed by a dreadful fire, a visit to her was a high priority. Second image in PiP and best viewed large. Explored.