Thermopylae was designed for the China tea trade, and set speed records on her maiden voyage to Melbourne - 63 days, still the fastest trip under sail. In 1872 she raced the clipper Cutty Sark from Shanghai back to London and won by seven days after Cutty Sark lost her rudder. In 1895 she was sold to Portugal and used as a naval training ship. The Portuguese Navy torpedoed her at sea in 1906.
The kit of the Thermopylae features a double plank on frame hull construction, building plans with general details, English instructions, lost wax brass castings, walnut OR lime planking, wooden masts and spars, brass and walnut fittings, laser etched detailing, rigging cord and silk flag. All sheet ply sections are laser cut for accuracy.
Scale 1:124 Length 575mm
