Clipper Ship Cutty Sark 150th Anniversary — A Year-Long Celebration

In February 1869, one hundred and fifty years ago, construction of the composite clipper ship Cutty Sark began on the banks of the River Clyde for the Jock Willis Shipping Line. The clipper ship sailed on its first voyage a … Continue reading

Cutty Sark – the Good, Bad & the Ugly

After a multi-year, £50 million restoration, interrupted by a near catastrophic fire, the composite clipper ship, Cutty Sark, reopened last April.  Not everyone was impressed. Andrew Gilligan, the Telegraph‘s London Editor, called the restoration “a clucking, Grade A, … turkey.”  In September, the British architectural trade journal, Building Design, awarded … Continue reading

Cutty Sark Restoration: 2012 Carbuncle Cup Winner – Worst New Building Design in Britain

In April, we posted about a scathing review of the Cutty Sark restoration by Andrew Gilligan, the Telegraph‘s London Editor.  He referred to the restoration as “a clucking, Grade A … turkey.”   I have not seen the ship but I share many of Gilligan’s concerns. (I will be visiting the … Continue reading

Vacuum Cleaner Victims – the Clipper Ship Cutty Sark and Now the USS Miami !

There is a new threat to our nautical heritage and our nation’s defense!  In 2007, the composite tea clipper Cutty Sark, built in 1869, was ravaged by fire.  An investigation revealed the culprit – an industrial vacuum cleaner.   Now, it appears … Continue reading