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Issues of 2008

The sail of history

Galleys, caravels, carracks, galleons, brigs and brigantines, frigates and clippers ≈ the whole world of these vessels existed for nearly two thousand years, since the day the man got an idea to build a sailboat and till the middle of the 19th century, when the first steamboats were launched.

What happened to the famous sailing-ships the names of which once were on everybody▓s lips? Some of them sunk, some were transformed to museums. Some still work in seaports.

The sail-boat ⌠Fram■. 1910 [zoom (66k)]

The story of the ship is the story of the saiboat building. Nobody knows, who got an idea to mount a piece of cloth onto a sailing tree trunk. Nevertheless, a mostly interesting development story starts at that moment, the one that has lead the humankind to such masterpieces of shipbuilding craft, as the ⌠Catty Sark■, ⌠Vasa■, ⌠Constitution■, ⌠Arc Royal■ and ⌠Bounty■. Indeed, the list of the famous sailboats is so big that it is enough to compile a whole book. It is a pity, but we can get the idea of the appearance of the most of these famous ancient ships only from pictures and descriptions. The ⌠Pinta■ and ⌠Ninja■ caravels of Coulomb, the ⌠Victoria■ carrack of Magellan, the ⌠Golden Hind■ of a famous pirate, Francis Drake, have not survived until the 20th century.

The only sailing ship that acted in the Arctic Ocean journeys of the famous Norwegian explorer of the Arctic region Fridtjof Nansen and survived till nowadays is his ⌠Fram■ (which means ⌠Forward■ in Norwegian). Sailing on board this ship Nancen proved that Arctic is not a continent. Another famous Norvegian, Roald Amudsen, sailed on board the ⌠Fram■to the opposite region of the planet 14 years after the Nancen▓s journey and reached the South Pole. Today, the ⌠Fram■ is preserved in a special Museum, being a part of it and is an object of the Norwegian national historic heritage.

Another survived Scandinavian ship is famous not for her voyages, but more for her very short lifetime. We speak here about a Swedish galleon, the ⌠Vasa■, which sank on her launching day (10 August 1628). A gust of wind blew hit her side right at the moment of her saluting with all its 64 cannons. The ⌠Vasa■ lied on the side, and in several minutes time, she stood on the bottom with her keel plunged into the sand. The sailboat spent 333 years at a depth of 30 meters. There she could remain, in case the Swedish researchers would not start in 1956 the efforts of raising her to the surface. After two years of work, the vessel was taken ashore and positioned in a dry dock in Stockholm, were a special museum was organized, which is the most frequently visited museum in the today▓s Scandinavia.

What was the reason of the super battleship, the one built by a famous Dutch ship architect, Henrik Hubertsson, and a symbol of the Swedish military power, sinking? The researchers of the galleon think that the unbalanced design was the basic reason of her failure. In the beginning of the 17th century, an ambitious Swedish king, Gustav Adolph, was concerned about the matter of creating a strong military power on the shores of the Baltics. This task required the organization of a strong sea force, leaded by a supership, bearing a strong artillery and fit for both the bombardment of an enemy ship and for the close combat with the enemy. So, the construction of the ⌠Vasa■ man-of-war began in 1625. The ship bore 64 heavy guns and 300 soldiers to fight with the enemy seamen. Not like the other contemporary ships, equipped only with the light artillery on the upper deck, this ship bore the artillery on two upper decks. Also, Gustav Adolph wanted to have a fast ship, so the masts with the sails turned to be quite heavy. Several tones of stones which was aimed for a ballast turned to be insufficient. The ship lied on her side with the cannon ports open!

The whole Sweden impatiently waited for the day of 24 April 1961. At that day, the Stockholm harbor swarmed with journalists from various countries, the TV live monitoring of raising the galleon to the water surface was organized. The plants were put out of operating; the children did not go to school and stayed at home, the sales of TV sets boomed, everybody waited the process of the old galleon gradually emerging from the water: at first, the masts, then the upper deck and afterwards the whole ship.

In all, the process of raising the ⌠Vasa■ took five years. In 1656, she was discovered, and after three years she was raised from the bottom (in 16 moves). After two years of preparations the museum of the sole survived on earth galleon was opened.

Of course, turning to a museum is not a bad destiny for an old ship. However, there is a ship that refuses to retire. It is an American frigate, USS ⌠Constitution■. It was launched in Boston in 1797, and now, it is the oldest man-of-war to be in the ranks till nowadays.

In 1794, the American President George Washington signed an act on establishing a military fleet. The young country needed fast and well-equipped military ships to fight the pirates in the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas and to stand against the power of the mighty British Navy. In three years▓ period the ⌠Сonstitution■ frigate was launched. The vessel is made of an especially strong kind of wood, the American white oak (2000 trunks of it were used for the ship). Her sides thickness is about half a meter. She was armed with 44 guns and her cost turned to be $302 700, which is twice as much as it was initially planned.

In the first ten years of the 19th century, the ship bravely fought the pirates and took part in the sea blockade of Tripoli in 1804.

The ⌠Constitution■▓s historic fight with HMS ⌠Guerriere■ took place on August 19, 1812. At some point in the battle, someone reportedly saw a British shot bounce off the ⌠Constitution■▓s side, and shouts, ⌠Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!■ ≈ and so was born the nickname ⌠Old Ironsides■. The ⌠Guerriere■ was so badly damaged, she has to be sunk after the surviving crew had been brought on board the ⌠Constitution■. In recognition of this spectacular victory-incredibly motivating to a nation that had had seen many military defeats in the war to date-Congress awarded Capt. Isaac Hull a special gold medal, his officers medals of silver, and the crew $50,000.

After nearly a half-year the ⌠Constitution■ sunk the HMS ⌠Java■ frigate. In 1815, about 180 miles from Madeira, she encountered and defeated the British men-of-war ⌠Cyane■ (24 guns) and ⌠Levant■ (18 guns). In total, the ⌠Constitution■ gained 40 victories.

However, the Americans of the 19th century were not too grateful to the heroic ship and even decided to take her down to obtain firewood material. . Student Oliver Wendell Holmes quickly wrote and published a stirring poem, called ⌠Old Ironsides■. In response to the report that the ship is capable of prolonging the service, as well as to the public outcry, the Navy directed the refurbishment of the ⌠Constitution■. After the overhaul the ⌠Constitution■ served as a training ship, sailed around the globe, hosted Lord Byron and Pope Pius IX, took the American showpieces to the World Exhibition in Paris in 1878. Her last voyage was in 1931, when she visited 90 harbors in America. This trip ended in Boston, the city of her origin. Now she served there as a floating museum, remaining to be an acting sailboat.

Certainly, the story about the famous sailing ships cannot be complete without a story about the only survived to this day tea-clipper, the ⌠Cutty Sark■.

USS ⌠Constitution■. Photo from the middle of the XXth century [zoom (44k)]

On November 22nd, 1869, a clipper ship of 963 tons gross was launched at Dumbarton on the River Leven. The ship was designed by Hercules Linton, of Scott & Linton Сo.

At the beginning of her service, the ⌠Cutty Sark■ used to sail to China with a cargo of manufactured goods and brought back the cargoes of tea. It also sailed in the annual race to bring home the first of the new season▓s tea from China, but was heavily damaged by storms during the race. After completing the Suez Channel, providing to the steamboats a short access to China, the ⌠Catty Sark■ had to switch to shipments of coal, jute, and caster oil.

Then the period of her performing the shipments of wool from Australia began. The most successful Master who ever commanded the ⌠Cutty Sark■ was Richard Woodget. Captain Woodget▓s skill was that of successful man-manager and fearless navigator, getting the best out of both the ship and his crew. In order to catch the Roaring Forties trade winds, Woodget would travel further south than any previous commander. This was perilous, as the ship came into frequent contact with icebergs around Cape Horn (the southern tip of South America). Woodget was also a keen photographer, and he has left many striking images of the ship passing icebergs. Fortunately, the ship survived and produced stunning passage times. On his first voyage in command, the ship sailed from England to Sydney in 77 days, and returned to the UK from Australia in 73 days. This was the start of 10 years domination by the ⌠Cutty Sark■ in the wool trade.

In July 1889, the ⌠Cutty Sark■ was involved in a famous incident with the steam ship ⌠Brittania■. On the night of the 25th July, ⌠Brittania■, doing between 14,5 and 16 knots, was overhauled by the ⌠Cutty Sark■ doing a good 17 knots.

As steam-ships moved further into the wool trade in the 1890▓s, the ⌠Cutty Sark■ began to make less money. She was sold to J. Ferreira & Co, a Portuguese company, and renamed the ⌠Ferreira■. In the late 1870s and early 1880s, the ⌠Ferreira■ tramped various cargoes mainly between Portugal and her empire, and was a regular visitor to Rio, New Orleans, Mozambique, Angola and the UK.

In 1923, Wilfred Dowman, a retired skipper bought the ship, restoring her old name and nationality. After saving the ⌠Cutty Sark■ for the nation, Wilfred Dowman restored the ship to a close approximation of her appearance as a tea and wool clipper. The ⌠Cutty Sark■ was used as a cadet training ship, where half a dozen boys from different backgrounds would live on board and train for a career in either the Royal Navy or the Merchant Marine.

By the early 1950s, the Nautical College acquired a newer training vessel and was unwilling to keep the ⌠Cutty Sark■. It was not long before those determined to save her from the scrap-yard noticed her plight. The ⌠Cutty Sark■ Society was formed by Frank Carr, Director of the National Maritime Museum, and patronised by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. In December 1954, in an event of such significance it was captured by BBC cameras, the ⌠Cutty Sark■ was towed into a specially constructed dry dock at Greenwich. Three years of restoration work followed, taking the ship back to her tea clipper appearance. She has remained in Greenwich, in her dry-dock, to this day. Since her official opening in 1957 by HM The Queen (broadcast live on the BBC), ⌠Cutty Sark■ has been visited by over 15 million people from all over the world.

So, you see that the stories of the famous ships do not end, when they turn to museums. They live their own life, are visited by tourists, and, which is the most important, are inseparable parts of their countries.

Following are the interviews given to the author by the officers of these famous ships-museums:

⌠Cutty Sark■

≈ How do you feel yourself working on board, like on a ship or like in a museum? Why?
≈ Although she is a registered museum, Cutty Sark is first and foremost a ship. Moreover, she is the same ship that wowed Victorian public in her speed and beauty ≈ 90% of her hull dates from her tea clipper days traveling between the UK and China ≈ and when you visit the ship, you can breathe in the history.

≈ What does the vessel symbolize for the nation, from your point of view?
≈ The vessel is the best sort of ambassador of our island nation famous for its trading prowess. Cutty Sark represents the pinnacle of evolution of commercial sail in terms of speed She is also a byword for superb craftsmanship, classic design and speed. It is amazing that Cutty Sark is still with us ≈ she was expected to last 30 years when she was built ≈ so she also symbolizes the endurance of quality and is one of the premier reminders of our maritime history.

≈ How do you manage to preserve the sailing-ship?
≈ We are embarking on 6 November on a 25 million conservation programme to ensure that the ship lasts to delight future generations. This is going to be an enormous job, involving 21st century technology. The props that currently support the ship are beginning to distort the ship, so it is critical that they are removed. The ship will be lifted up 3metres and in a feat of engineering genius, she will initially appear as though she is suspended in mid ≈ air. A glass canopy will surround the ship at the waterline and this will protect much of the hull from the elements. These works will take place after some major conservation works, which will include the replacement of all of the main deck with recycled teak. Treatment and repair of the iron frame will require the progressive deplanking of the ship. This provides the opportunity to undertake repairs and conservation measures as necessary, along with replacement of the existing fixing bolts which are in a very corroded state. Where there is a risk of fu other significant chloride-induced corrosion occurring, the iron framework of the ship will be treated using an electrolytic process. This process essentially reduces chlorides within the iron to acceptable levels, following which a suitable surface coating is applied to inhibit moisture ingress and to complete the corrosion prevention measures. When the planks are re-fixed there is a risk of chlorides migrating from the timber back onto the treated iron frame. To prevent this from happening, an insulating barrier will be installed between the planking and the ironwork.Treatment of the remaining areas of frame will be limited to surface cleaning and painting. The sheathing, which is a 1960s Alumbro replacement, will be replaced with a new Muntz metal sheathing.

⌠Cutty Sark■. The Cutty Sark museum, London [zoom (47k)]

≈ For what audience (children, teenagers, etc.) will the Museum be interesting, from your point of view, and why?
≈ The ship has something for everyone. Very young children really enjoy the feeling of being on a real 19th century ship, the length of the deck is exhilarating, as are the wonderful views of the river Thames and Docklands and the live interpreters, playing the parts of 19th century sailors bring the ship to life. There are opportunities to hear stories and participate in treasure hunts and quizzes on the ship, which appeals to older children. Our new interpretation will enable children to indulge in some hands on learning play, ie using interactive educational models to copy the loading of the ship with wool and tea cargoes. Their parents will be able to taste tea, marvel at some beautiful paintings of the ship by eminent artists through the ages, listen to people▓s memories of the ship. One of the deckhouses will interpret maritime poetry and prose, using historic film as a background, and how it has affected our language. We will also create an auditorium within the lower deck, where it will be possible to hold concerts and performances, bringing new audiences to the ship. The new gallery space within the lower hold will be a magnificent venue for wonderful events, and fantastic light effects will transform the area, enabling holographic waves to be projected on to the ship and the glass surrounds.

⌠Constitution■

≈ How do you feel yourself working on board, like on a ship or like in a museum? Why?
≈ USS Constitution is very much a ship and not at all a museum. The ship is still a commissioned U.S. Navy vessel, meaning she is owned, crewed and operated by the U.S. Navy. She still goes to sea in Boston Harbor several times a year and her crew is expected to know 19th-century sailing techniques ≈ not at all what one would expect being in the U.S. Navy to be like! Our primary mission here is to protect, preserve and promote the rich maritime heritage and American history she has been such an important part of. The ship▓s crew is handpicked from the Navy, and it is a true honor to serve aboard her. Serving here is truly being a part of history!
We are partners with the civilian USS Constitution Museum, which is a true museum. The USS Constitution Museum maintains and safeguards artifacts which are an important part of telling the complete USS Constitution story. Together, we run an educational outreach program called ⌠Old Ironsides Across the Nation■, which brings the ship▓s history to schoolchildren across America.

≈ What does the vessel symbolize for the nation, from your point of view?
≈ USS Constitution is tangible evidence of our nation▓s successful struggle for freedom and liberty. When guests step aboard her decks, they are in awe of the ship. When they hear the stories of the men who served aboard her, they feel a larger appreciation for the liberties our forefathers fought so hard to gain and preserve.

≈ How do you manage to preserve the sailing-ship?
≈ USS Constitution has a team of 25 Navy-employed civilians who perform the bulk of the maintenance. Using a mixture of traditional methods and state-of-the-art technology, they are able to maintain USS Constitution in even better condition than she was 200 years ago.

≈ For what audience (children, teenagers, etc.) will the Museum be interesting, from your point of view, and why?
≈ USS Constitution is a perfect destination for families looking for an exciting and enriching afternoon together, and those looking to continue their appreciation and understanding of history. As a U.S. Navy ship, she could not survive without the direct support of the American public. Therefore, she is truly ⌠America▓s ship■. You can find out more about the ship at www.oldironsides.com.

Body of the man of war ⌠Vasa■. The ⌠Vasa■ museum. Stockholm [zoom (94k)]

≈ How do you feel yourself working on board, like on a ship or like in a museum? Why?
≈ Polar history has always been my hobby, so it is great to have the opportunity to work full time on one of my prime areas of interest.

≈ What does the vessel symbolize for the nation, from your point of view?
≈ The Polar ship Fram has a special place in Norwegian history, as she carried and protected the famous Norwegian polar explorers successfully towards their goals. She is the strongest wooden ship ever built and is the ship that held the record for both being furthest north and furthest south.

≈ How do you manage to preserve the sailing-ship?
≈ The Fram Museum is built around the Fram, so the ship is very well protected.

≈ For what audience (children, teenagers, etc.) will the Museum be interesting, from your point of view, and why?
≈ The Fram Museum is of interest for audiences of all ages. The children love to climb aboard the ship and see all the animals from Arctic and Antarctic, while the adults enjoy the amazing stories of achievements and survival in the most dangerous places on Earth, the North and the South Pole. ⌠Vasa■

≈ How do you feel yourself working on board, like on a ship or like in a museum? Why?
≈ Being on board the Vasa is an extraordinary experience, even for me who has worked at the museum for a long time. It definitely gives the feeling of a ship, although the interior of the Vasa is most of all a working-place for the conservators and carpenters. Still, I easily visualise the cannon, the soldiers and seamen, the sounds and the smells.

≈ What does the vessel symbolize for the nation, from your point of view?
≈ When the Vasa was raised around 1960, it most of all symbolised the historical period in the 17th century, when Sweden was a major European military power. Now, the ship is presented as a fascinating historical artefact without the patriotic/nostalgic overtones of those days. She represents the rich Swedish historical heritage, but also the adventure of finding a relict of past times that has been lost for centuries.

≈ How do you manage to preserve the sailing-ship?
≈ The main threat to a waterlogged wooden object is uncontrolled drying which leads to cracking, twisting and other deformation of the wood. This has been successfully counteracted by spraying the Vasa with polyethylene glycol (PEG) from 1962 to 1979. At the present, we are engaged in finding countermeasures to the formation of acids and salts that is taking place in the wood.

≈ For what audience (children, teenagers, etc.) will the Museum be interesting, from your point of view, and why?
≈ The Vasa▓s audience of over 900,000 visitors annually represents many nationalities, age groups and social backgrounds. Men and women are equally represented. 70√80% of the visitors are from abroad. Thus, the museum seems to be attractive to a broad spectre, but it might be of interest that we are working on a number of projects aimed at young people ≈ in school, but also in leisure time. In one project, ⌠Grannies■, we encourage grandparents and grandchildren to visit the museum together. As was written under ╧2, I think children are fascinated by the adventure aspect of the Vasa.