Two-masted steam yacht (1850)

Scale: 1:24. A contemporary full hull model of an unidentified two-masted steam yacht (1850), mounted on metal supports and an original wooden baseboard. The hull is carved from a solid piece of wood and has simulated copper sheathing below the waterline, with the topsides finished in black. There is a small quarter gallery on the stern, together with bulwark rails on the quarterdeck. On deck are fitted stump masts and a bowsprit, together with hatches and accommodation skylights. The rudder is fitted to the deadwood and sternpost skeg but the single screw is missing.

The interesting feature about this model is that it bears a very close resemblance to the American racing schooner ‘America’ which came over to race against the fastest British yachts in 1851. If the shape of the sheer and rake of the masts are taken into account, it is quite probable that this yacht was rigged as a schooner, the same as the ‘America’.

Object Details

ID: SLR0210
Collection: Ship models
Type: Full hull model
Display location: Not on display
Date made: Circa 1850
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall model: 130 x 752 x 151 mm; Base: 76 x 759 x 153 mm
Parts: Two-masted steam yacht (1850)