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Displaying items by tag: Battle of Trafalgar

Scientists have discovered that a replica of the figurehead from the warship Admiral Nelson commanded in the Battle of Trafalgar dates from just years after the event.

Unfortunately, the 10-foot-tall sculpture was cut up by chainsaw into six pieces more than a decade ago under the mistaken belief it was a modern recreation, as the Independent reports.

Experts working with the National Museum of the Royal Navy, which took stewardship of all material related to HMS Victory from the UK’s Ministry of Defence in 2012, took another look at the destroyed sculpture two years ago.

And they discovered that it was actually made in 1815 as a replacement for the original that suffered damage during that key naval battle of the Napoleonic Wars in 1805.

Now its remnants are set to be displayed to the public for the first time alongside the surviving HMS Victory in Portsmouth, once pandemic restrictions allow.

The Independent has more on the story HERE.

Published in News Update

About the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is undoubtedly one of the greatest ocean adventures on the planet, also regarded as one of its toughest endurance challenges. Taking almost a year to complete, it consists of eleven teams competing against each other on the world’s largest matched fleet of 70-foot ocean racing yachts.

The Clipper Race was established in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in 1968-69. His aim was to allow anyone, regardless of previous sailing experience, the chance to embrace the thrill of ocean racing; it is the only event of its kind for amateur sailors. Around 40 per cent of crew are novices and have never sailed before starting a comprehensive training programme ahead of their adventure.

This unique challenge brings together everyone from chief executives to train drivers, nurses and firefighters, farmers, airline pilots and students, from age 18 upwards, to take on Mother Nature’s toughest and most remote conditions. There is no upper age limit, the oldest competitor to date is 76.

Now in its twelfth edition, the Clipper 2019-20 Race started from London, UK, on 02 September 2019.