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The "Flying Cloud"
was built in Newburyport, Massachusetts in 1851. She is best
known for her sailing voyage from New York to San Francisco in
89 days and 8 hours.
A record that still stands
today!
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During the California Gold
Rush competition for trade was fierce. Prices for goods reached
an all time high, eggs were selling for $1 each and a sack of
flour would cost $100 or more. Great clipper ships, known as
California Clippers, were built for speed. |
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The hull, deck and cabins
on this beauty shown were originally hand carved by the late
Loren Williams. His heirs commissioned us to restore his work
and take her to completion for permanent formal placement on
their family yacht.
This is just one example
of the many Flying Cloud Clipper Ships we have restored or built
from scratch through the years.
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The hull is hand sheathed
in natural copper plating with each plate individually placed
one at a time.
The natural contrasts in
the copper add great depth and incredible drama to the graceful
lines of this lovely clipper's hull.
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Painted portions of black,
gray and white combined with natural woods such as Sugar Pine,
Walnut and Oak create lovely color contrasts.
We utilize fine quality
Brittania metal cast fittings.
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Executed by a Master Builder
with precise attention to detail and quality control.
Dry rigged for maximum
detailed view of intricacy and quality of rigging workmanship.
No line is left undone.
She has complete rigging including all her flying rigging. Each
ratline is tied all the way across, not just glued in place.
All deadeyes, deck rings, block and tackle are tied and lashed.
Even the masts are embellished
with copper banding.
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The bowsprit has a great
golden masthead with brass chains and anchor lines. It is also
fully rigged. |
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A custom case was built
to prevent harm and ensure lasting beauty while she rides along
the waters of the world in her new home.
The case is made of Cherry
with solid Padouk utilized for the keel support and edge accents.
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The color tones of the
exotic wood, Padouk, really brings out the beauty of the copper
hull.
The vertical stiles and
nameplate have a solid Cherry center with Padouk edging.
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This is a very different
look as compared to using a single wood for the stiles. It adds
much more contrast. |
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The ship is mounted on
solid brass pedestals with an engraved brass nameplate and stiles
all secured to the base.
All woods both on the ship
herself and the case are hand rubbed with numerous coats of sealer
and fine natural oils for a radiant finish.
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The enclosure is made of
a clear, durable, shatter resistant acrylic called Optix.
Ideal illumination comes
from above utilizing a low voltage halogen light with a 110 volt
on/off switch cord.
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To view
more images of the "Flying Cloud" |
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Ship: 37"
long x 12" deep x 24" tall Case: 46" long x 17"
deep x 30" tall |
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