Flying
Cloud
Clipper Ship
History of the Flying Cloud
The Flying Cloud was designed and built by Donald McKay at
his East Boston yard in 1851. She was built for the account of Enoch
Train but was purchased on the ways by Grinnel, Minton & Company
of New York for $90,000.
Captain Josiah Perkins Cressey, a competent navigator and great
diver, was given command and the Flying Cloud sailed from New
York, June 2, 1851, for San Francisco. Although she lost her main and
mizen top gallant masts only three days out, she arrived at San
Francisco August 31st, just 89 days 21 hours from New York. This
passage broke all then existing records for the run and was only
exceeded once, by the Flying Cloud herself, who made the trip
in 13 hours less on a later passage. She left San Francisco on
October 20, for China arriving in Hong Kong in 45 days and then
returned to New York in 94 days, having made the complete voyage
around the world in 239 days sailing time. On numerous occasions she
logged 18 knots. After six California-China voyages the Flying
Cloud was sent to England and used in the China-Australia trade
from Deal. Later she was sold and ran between England and Australia
for a British firm.
The last years of the Flying Cloud were spent in the lumber
trade between New Brunswick and London and in 1874, she ran aground
and broke her back on Beacon Island bar. In June, 1875, she was
burned for her copper fastenings.
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Length overall
|
229'
|
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Beam
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40' 9"
|
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Draft
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21' 7"
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Gross Tons
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1782.5
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Our Model
The Flying Cloud is built on scaled down plans based on the
original ship lines. The hull is carefully carved from select
basswood, and is accurately finished to duplicate the appearance of
the original ship. The bottom is finished with an antiqued
copper-green to simulate the corrosive action of the sea upon the
Flying Cloud's coppered bottom.
Great care has been taken to create detailed deck houses, hatches,
water casks, and ships boats.The stern rail has brass stantions and
other brass fittings include the windlass and capstans. The rigging
of this model is very detailed and intricate. There are many
miniature blocks in the running rigging and tiny chain is used in the
rigging at the points of stress, at the braces, and on the bowsprit.
Masts are white and stained with black bands. The deck houses are
white with gray tops. The model is mounted on a mahogany base with
brass finished nameplates on each side of the name block.
Model Measurements
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Length overall
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24 1/2"
|
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Height
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17 1/4"
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Width of main yard
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6 3/4"
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How to Order
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