World's oldest clipper saved from a watery grave
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.She is the world's oldest clipper, arguably more important than the Cutty Sark, one of the élite, romantic vessels that raced to the colonies in the 19th century.
She is the world's oldest clipper, arguably more important than the Cutty Sark, one of the élite, romantic vessels that raced to the colonies in the 19th century.
Launched in 1864, HMS Carrick , which was originally called the City of Adelaide , once held the record for the crossing to Australia. She has been rescued after almost ending her days in a dock amid landfill. The ship is now at Irvine, Ayrshire, at the Scottish Maritime Museum, and will go on display once restored. Historians say the Carrick , one of only two vessels that is also a listed building, is the most important British ship that remains unrestored.
After the Australia run she briefly carried coal on North Atlantic routes, then served as an isolation hospital in Southampton until 1923, when she became a training ship for the Navy, then a detention centre for deserters and finally a clubhouse of the Royal Naval Volunteer Service.
The ship's importance has long been acknowledged by Glaswegians, for whom the sight of the Carrick meant the end of their journey. She was moored in the docks for nearly 50 years, her masts towering above the bus terminus.
When Princes Dock was redeveloped, the hull of the Carrick, which had sunk in bad weather, was being filled with silt.
The Scottish Maritime Museum has announced a £900,000 appeal after the National Historic Ships Committee ruled that the clipper should top the list of restoration projects.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments