10 facts about the Cutty Sark
From a record-breaking clipper ship to a museum in the heart of London, discover 10 facts about the legendary vessel Cutty Sark.
Image: IR Stone / Shutterstock.com
The Cutty Sark was one of the last British tea clipper ships ever built, renowned for its impressive speed and design. Clipper ships were merchant trading vessels that were designed to travel between the world’s major ports quickly.
The Cutty Sark is now part of the National Historic Fleet and is located on the banks of the River Thames in Greenwich, London. It has a rich history that tells the tale of clipper ships before the switch to industrial steam engines.
Here are 10 facts about the Cutty Sark.
1. It was named after a character in a poem
The Cutty Sark got its name from a famous poem – Tam o’ Shanter by Robert Burns.
In this poem, Cutty Sark is the name of the short night dress worn by the witch. The ship’s figurehead pays homage to this poem, with a carving of this character as she clutches onto the tail of Tam’s horse, Meg.
2. It was designed in 1869
The Cutty Sark was first developed in 1869, as the brainchild of Scottish designer Hercules Linton. It was then built by the company Scott & Linton in Dumbarton, Scotland.
During the time in which the Cutty Sark was constructed, the world was beginning to transition to steamships. Clipper ships were built to partake in the lucrative and highly competitive tea trade from China to Britain.
The Cutty Sark’s design was notable for its sleek lines and optimised sail plan, which reached the pinnacles of clipper ships and sailing technology before steamships made them obsolete.
3. It broke records
The Cutty Sark became a famous ship due to its immense speed. It was well known for its swift voyages, including an 1885 journey from Sydney to London that took only 73 days. Notably, it beat a steamship that had left Sydney a week before.
Its speed made it a premier choice for carrying wool and other important cargo across the world, ensuring good profits.
4. Its design was innovative
In the history of clipper ships, there have been few as intricately designed as the Cutty Sark. Its construction featured a build of wooden planking over an iron frame – creating both flexibility and strength.
This combination allowed for a lighter, more durable hull that could reach much greater speeds than other designs. The ship’s iron frame was a huge innovation, as it enhanced the structure and overall durability.
5. The ship had a motto
In the same way that modern companies have taglines or slogans – so too did historic trading ships. The Cutty Sark was no different. A ship’s motto was usually chosen by its Commanding Officer and was a way to encapsulate the design of the ship as well as its daily operations.
The motto of the Cutty Sark was, ‘Where there’s a Willis a way’, reflecting its impressive speed achievements and likeliness to deliver cargo on time and in good condition. It is also a nod to Jock Willis, the ship’s first owner.
6. Cargo versatility
The Cutty Sark was originally built to race to China and participate in the tea trade. Across the first eight years of its lifespan, the Cutty Sark carried tea from China to Britain.
However, after the invention of fast steamships, the Cutty Sark became part of the Australian wool trade. Its speed and versatility made it a strong choice even after the steamship became more common.
7. It was used to train cadets
When the Cutty Sark ended its commercial service, it was purchased by Captain Wilfred Dowman in 1922. He then repurposed the ship to train cadets in sail handling and traditional seamanship.
This period of the Cutty Sark’s life was important, as it played a role in preserving the heritage of traditional sailing, as steam and diesel engines became more popular.
8. National historic ship
If a ship becomes part of the National Historic Fleet, it has many of the same protections as a grade 1 listed building. This categorisation recognises its exceptional historical importance and is reserved only for vessels that have made significant contributions to the United Kingdom’s maritime heritage.
9. It was restored after a fire
On 21st May 2007, the Cutty Sark caught fire. This happened during a period of important restoration work and caused much damage to the vessel. Thankfully, many of its original parts had been removed for conservation, sparing them from the flames.
An extensive restoration project that cost £50 million was launched to restore the ship. It reopened to the public on 25th April 2012, with enhanced safety features such as fire detection and suppression systems.
10. Today, it’s a museum that you can visit
The Cutty Sark now stands as a time capsule and an important British cultural icon that anyone can visit. It attracts visitors from around the world, who want to learn more about its innovative design and maritime history.
The ship is also at the centre of various educational programs and events, offering education about 19th-century trade, shipbuilding and navigation.
