The Cutty Sark, one of the most famous historic sailing ships in the world, was seriously damaged by fire in the early hours of Monday morning, May 21st. The ship, which is docked in London, England has been a popular tourist attraction for many years, and set a speed record in its working days.
The Cutty Sark was built in 1869 by Scott & Linton, Dumbarton in Scotland and completed by Dennys. It is the world’s last surviving tea clipper. The iron-hulled boats were used in long-distance races between China and England, with large profits for the first ship back with the the first tea of the year.
The Cutty Sark sailed in the China trade between 1870 and 1877/78, in the Australian wool trade between 1883 and 1895, during which period she achieved the record breaking voyage under wind power between Australia and England via Cape Horn of 72 days in 1885.