Cutty Sark Clipper Ship

Rust and rot had been eating away at this Greenwich landmark, the last of the great clipper ships to sail between China and England in the 19th century, and she was undergoing 25 million repair work when disaster struck in May 2007. A fire, believed to have been deliberately set, damaged about 50% of the vessel. Luckily half of the ship's furnishings and equipment, including the mast, had been removed for conservation and were safe. The tragedy struck a chord among the citizens of the capital of this traditionally seagoing nation and contributions to bring the ship back to life began to pour in. We are assured that the Cutty Sark will rise, phoenixlike, from the ashes but it will take time and lots more money. All donations are gratefully accepted; see www.justgiving.com/cuttysarkfire for details.