Reply To: 17th & 18th century merchant ship working replica research project

[Frank Scott]

I am not sure what sources you have consulted, but Laird Rankin, The Nonsuch (Buffalo & London, 1970) has a fair amount on the background to her construction, including the inevitable compromises. Some issues are minor, such as the use of flat rather than round seaming for the sails, but they all add up. As far as I know the master, the highly experienced Captain Adrian Small, is still around, although in his 80s. I assume that you have consulted the Hudson’s Bay Company, whose archives must contain much relating to the construction of the vessel.

I would also recommend Colin Mudie, Sailing Ships: Designs & Re-creations of great sailing ships from ancient Greece to the present (London, 2000), for discussion by an eminent naval architect not only of his own designs (both replica & sail training), but of other vessels.

Frank Scott