The Cutty Sark

http://www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark/

I hadn't visited the Cutty Sark since I was a child, so I was really excited to be visiting it again. I love tall ships, I think they're really beautiful, and I'd love to one day go sailing on one. It is so impressive what this ship has gone through, including the recent fire, and the refurbishment of her is a big success.

All hands on deck!

I didn't realise that the Cutty Sark was a monument to all those who lost their lives in the Merchant Navy. I found this deeply moving as my Grandfather had worked in the Merchant Navy during the Second World War, and had been sunk a few times.

A perfect cuppa below sea level

The Cutty Sark was a trader ship, and carried tea from the East. The smell of the tea leaves in the hull of the ship is very strong, and really appealed to me as a dedicated tea drinker. I couldn't resist having a cup of Cutty Sark tea in the new Keel cafe underneath the ship, such a weird feeling having the boat suspended above my head! 

Underneath the ship is a display of figure heads. I love these and they remind me of the Valhalla display on Tresco, the Isles of Scilly. The level of detail and skill involved creating these pieces of art is so impressive. 

I really recommend visiting the Cutty Sark, it's such a unique and important part of maritime history, and a real treat to visit.