Velsheda 1933 Half Hull Model Ship

Velsheda 1933 Half Hull Model Ship - Built at Camper & Nicholson Yard at Gosport for W.F. Stephenson, Velsheda was launched in 1933 and christianed of the name of her owner's three daughters: Velma, Sheila and Daphne. Velsheda never sailed in American waters, but only challenged British trophies. In 1933, she was the real star of the season,Winning 20 of the 43 regattas. Her fame came also from her numerous victories on Sir Thomas Lipton Shamrock V in the competions.

After numerous glorious seasons, she languished for years. Velsheda which had been used previously as a houseboat in this time, was returned to sailing form in a highly authentic, though low budget project in the 1980s. Her glory days are back, however, courtesy of a 1997 refit that added a steering cockpit, a second deck-house and carbon fiber spars. Velsheda 56 metres high mast carries 839m2 (9,034ft2) of sail area upwind and her largest spinnaker is 1,010m2 (10,871ft2). Below decks, she has an elaborate period-style interior.

In 1999 the two former cup challengers ended their lonely duels when Velsheda joined them in Antigua for the first real J-class racing since 1937. Oddly, the Js were never conceived as yachts to last through the ages. As the ICAYA maxi yachts of their day, they represented the state-of-the-art in racing craft, designed to be replaced after a season or two. The staggering beauty and elegant low hulls, 160-foot-high masts and their remarkable power under sail have led to the most improbable end of all their rescue and reverence some 60 years hence.

The Art of making half hulls is as old as ship building itself. Half Hulls were crafted by ship builders to give three-dimensional shape to their hull designs.

Crafted in mahogany and tropical hard woods, the hulls are assembled one at a time, using traditional plank-on-bulkhead modelling techniques.

After the bulkheads are laid and the hull lines trued, the hulls are planked with individual wooden stripes to form a smooth silhouette. The model is then sanded, hand painted and varnished to a mirror-like finish.

They are then mounted on ready to hang wooden plaque, each is complete with an engraved brass nameplate. Their lines are exceptionally beautiful. Packaging is extemely secure to allow for a safe passage. Makes an exquisite nautical gift.

Ship size: 75 cm L x 20 cm Hgh