The Cutty Sark Burns

The world's last remaining clipper ship, the Cutty Sark, caught fire on May 21st and was severely damaged. The people operating her since she became a museum in 1954 were in the process of an extensive restoration. Fortunately, a part of the ship had been removed at the time of the fire so not everything was lost.

She was built in 1869 on the River Clyde and was originally involved in the tea trade. At one time, the Cutty Sark was the fastest ship afloat. Since 1954, she has been in drydock by the Thames River in Greenwich, England.

I always thought the name was Cutty Shark. I also really like Cutty Sark Scotch Whisky, well, it took some getting used to the taste.

I was fortunate last summer to get to not only see the Cutty Sark in person, but I also took a tour of the vessel. It was during one of the hottest summers on record, and, not very pleasant below deck. This was one beautiful ship and I hope it can be rebuilt to its former glory.

--RoadDog