La Grace
Encyclopedia
La Grace is the replica of the brig
from 18th century
. The original ship
of Augustine Herman
(Augustin Heřman in Czech
) bore this name (which roughly translates as “Graceful”) in travels both merchant and exploratory around Europe
, America
, Caribbean
and over the Atlantic Ocean
. La Grace was also renown for her corsair
activities. Well known is especially her victory over two Spanish
barques
carrying sugar
, tobacco
and wine
near the cost of Guatemala
. Modern replica is utilised solely to teach the art of old seamanship
. Her crew is primarily Czech
.
in Suez
, Egypt
. Main reason for the selection of the place of construction was the utilisation of the traditional boat building
procedures, which are still prevalent in Egypt. Just as it was normal in the 18th century, a model
had to be made first. Boat was then constructed based on this model. Thanks to the Suez Canal
the high quality Scandinavian wood is also easily accessible in Egypt. This wood was the favourite and most usual shipbuilding
material in the Age of Sails. However, the keel
and the ribs are made of extremely hard and sturdy camphor wood and mulberry
wood. Planking and decks
are made of Finnish
pine tree wood. Today, Chapman’s
blueprints are not sufficient to build a boat. Because of that, a 3D
model of the boat was made based on these blueprints. Model was then utilised to make even more detailed plans. Large amount of calculations was necessary as well (i.e. regarding stability
). Masts, yards
, blocks
but also the steering wheel and cannons were made in Valašské Meziříčí
, Czech Republic. Dozens of volunteers from all over the Czech Republic worked in the woodwork workshop of Vilém Pavlica since June 2009
. In December 2009
all the material left for Egypt (stored in a container
). Following year was mainly in the spirit of the 21st century
technology. Boat’s engine
, electric generator, water and power distribution were installed. Most of the effort was again conducted by the Czech experts and volunteers. La Grace was floated on 5th December 2010 after nearly two years under construction.
. Its construction is based on the blueprints which were published in 1768 by Swedish
admiral
Fredrik Henrik af Chapman
in the book Architectura navalis mercatoria. He is sometimes considered the greatest shipwright of all times who laid the foundations of the modern shipbuilding relying on precise blueprints. Long before Ford
he introduced batch production
of the ships using preconstructed segments and thus shortened the construction time up to ten fold. Many ships, both naval and merchant, were constructed using his blueprints. All the replicas of the historic sailing ships of 15th to 18th century are made using his plans.
Although La Grace is conceived in such a way that not even admiral Nelson would notice any ahistoric flaw or anachronism
on the first sight, inside there is all the modern technology, safety systems and equipment necessary to allow her safe navigation
and offer a pleasant time to her crew.
) to remind the Czech maritime history. Baptism ceremony
took place on 1st May 2011 in Athens
, Greece as an apex of the four days long festivities. Bottle of Champagne was broken across the bow by the Miss Czech Republic
Lucie Křížková
. The boat has actually two godmothers. Apart from Mrs. Křížková there is also 18 months old Eliška Tannerová of Moravia
. Finale of the festivities took place on Cape Sounion, where captain
of the boat at sunset
threw down to the water an offering to the god of sea Poseidon
, pleading for his good will.
, Europe
and America
. As of November 2011
she traversed the distance from Egypt to Greece, Italy
, Aeolian Islands
, Corsica
, Sardinia
, Elba
, Balearic Islands
, Spain
, Gibraltar
and Canary Islands
. At the moment she is on her first transatlantic voyage heading to Carribean to spend the winter 2011/2012 there on the trips with tourists and adventurers.
Brig
A brig is a sailing vessel with two square-rigged masts. During the Age of Sail, brigs were seen as fast and manoeuvrable and were used as both naval warships and merchant vessels. They were especially popular in the 18th and early 19th centuries...
from 18th century
18th century
The 18th century lasted from 1701 to 1800 in the Gregorian calendar.During the 18th century, the Enlightenment culminated in the French and American revolutions. Philosophy and science increased in prominence. Philosophers were dreaming about a better age without the Christian fundamentalism of...
. The original ship
Ship
Since the end of the age of sail a ship has been any large buoyant marine vessel. Ships are generally distinguished from boats based on size and cargo or passenger capacity. Ships are used on lakes, seas, and rivers for a variety of activities, such as the transport of people or goods, fishing,...
of Augustine Herman
Augustine Herman
Augustine Herman, First Lord of Bohemia Manor was a Bohemian explorer, merchant, and cartographer who lived in New Amsterdam and Cecil County, Maryland...
(Augustin Heřman in Czech
Czech language
Czech is a West Slavic language with about 12 million native speakers; it is the majority language in the Czech Republic and spoken by Czechs worldwide. The language was known as Bohemian in English until the late 19th century...
) bore this name (which roughly translates as “Graceful”) in travels both merchant and exploratory around Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, America
America
America usually refers to either:* The Americas, a landmass comprising North America and South America* The United States, a country in North AmericaAmerica may also refer to:- Other locations :* América, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina...
, Caribbean
Caribbean
The Caribbean is a crescent-shaped group of islands more than 2,000 miles long separating the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, to the west and south, from the Atlantic Ocean, to the east and north...
and over the Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
. La Grace was also renown for her corsair
Corsair
Corsairs were privateers, authorized to conduct raids on shipping of a nation at war with France, on behalf of the French Crown. Seized vessels and cargo were sold at auction, with the corsair captain entitled to a portion of the proceeds...
activities. Well known is especially her victory over two Spanish
Spanish
Spanish may refer to:* Of or related to Spain* Spanish language, the official language of Spain and most of Latin America* Spanish people * The Spanish Empire, the empire administrated by Spain from the 15th century* Spanish cuisine...
barques
Barque
A barque, barc, or bark is a type of sailing vessel with three or more masts.- History of the term :The word barque appears to have come from the Greek word baris, a term for an Egyptian boat. This entered Latin as barca, which gave rise to the Italian barca, Spanish barco, and the French barge and...
carrying sugar
Sugar
Sugar is a class of edible crystalline carbohydrates, mainly sucrose, lactose, and fructose, characterized by a sweet flavor.Sucrose in its refined form primarily comes from sugar cane and sugar beet...
, tobacco
Tobacco
Tobacco is an agricultural product processed from the leaves of plants in the genus Nicotiana. It can be consumed, used as a pesticide and, in the form of nicotine tartrate, used in some medicines...
and wine
Wine
Wine is an alcoholic beverage, made of fermented fruit juice, usually from grapes. The natural chemical balance of grapes lets them ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes, or other nutrients. Grape wine is produced by fermenting crushed grapes using various types of yeast. Yeast...
near the cost of Guatemala
Guatemala
Guatemala is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean to the east, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast...
. Modern replica is utilised solely to teach the art of old seamanship
Seamanship
Seamanship is the art of operating a ship or boat.It involves a knowledge of a variety of topics and development of specialised skills including: navigation and international maritime law; weather, meteorology and forecasting; watchstanding; ship-handling and small boat handling; operation of deck...
. Her crew is primarily Czech
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
.
Construction
Construction of the vessel commenced at the end of 2008 in a commercial shipyardShipyard
Shipyards and dockyards are places which repair and build ships. These can be yachts, military vessels, cruise liners or other cargo or passenger ships. Dockyards are sometimes more associated with maintenance and basing activities than shipyards, which are sometimes associated more with initial...
in Suez
Suez
Suez is a seaport city in north-eastern Egypt, located on the north coast of the Gulf of Suez , near the southern terminus of the Suez Canal, having the same boundaries as Suez governorate. It has three harbors, Adabya, Ain Sokhna and Port Tawfiq, and extensive port facilities...
, Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
. Main reason for the selection of the place of construction was the utilisation of the traditional boat building
Boat building
Boat building, one of the oldest branches of engineering, is concerned with constructing the hulls of boats and, for sailboats, the masts, spars and rigging.-Parts:* Bow - the front and generally sharp end of the hull...
procedures, which are still prevalent in Egypt. Just as it was normal in the 18th century, a model
Model
- Physical :* Physical model, a physical representation of an object* Scale model, a replica or prototype of an object* 3D modelling, a 3D polygonal representation of an object, usually displayed with a computer* Model aircraft* Car model...
had to be made first. Boat was then constructed based on this model. Thanks to the Suez Canal
Suez Canal
The Suez Canal , also known by the nickname "The Highway to India", is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Opened in November 1869 after 10 years of construction work, it allows water transportation between Europe and Asia without navigation...
the high quality Scandinavian wood is also easily accessible in Egypt. This wood was the favourite and most usual shipbuilding
Shipbuilding
Shipbuilding is the construction of ships and floating vessels. It normally takes place in a specialized facility known as a shipyard. Shipbuilders, also called shipwrights, follow a specialized occupation that traces its roots to before recorded history.Shipbuilding and ship repairs, both...
material in the Age of Sails. However, the keel
Keel
In boats and ships, keel can refer to either of two parts: a structural element, or a hydrodynamic element. These parts overlap. As the laying down of the keel is the initial step in construction of a ship, in British and American shipbuilding traditions the construction is dated from this event...
and the ribs are made of extremely hard and sturdy camphor wood and mulberry
Mulberry
Morus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Moraceae. The 10–16 species of deciduous trees it contains are commonly known as Mulberries....
wood. Planking and decks
Deck (ship)
A deck is a permanent covering over a compartment or a hull of a ship. On a boat or ship, the primary deck is the horizontal structure which forms the 'roof' for the hull, which both strengthens the hull and serves as the primary working surface...
are made of Finnish
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
pine tree wood. Today, Chapman’s
Fredrik Henrik af Chapman
Fredrik Henrik af Chapman was a Swedish shipbuilder, scientist and officer in the Swedish navy. He was also manager of the Karlskrona shipyard 1782-1793...
blueprints are not sufficient to build a boat. Because of that, a 3D
3D
3D or 3-D may refer to:*Three-dimensional space, the physical universe*Stereoscopy, any technique capable of recording three-dimensional visual information or creating the illusion of depth in an image-Music:*3D...
model of the boat was made based on these blueprints. Model was then utilised to make even more detailed plans. Large amount of calculations was necessary as well (i.e. regarding stability
Stability
-Mathematics:*Stability theory, the study of the stability of solutions to differential equations and dynamical systems**Lyapunov stability**Structural stability*Stability of a point in geometric invariant theory....
). Masts, yards
Yard (sailing)
A yard is a spar on a mast from which sails are set. It may be constructed of timber, steel, or from more modern materials, like aluminium or carbon fibre. Although some types of fore and aft rigs have yards , the term is usually used to describe the horizontal spars used with square sails...
, blocks
Block (sailing)
In sailing, a block is a single or multiple pulley. One or a number of sheaves are enclosed in an assembly between cheeks or chocks. In use a block is fixed to the end of a line, to a spar or to a surface...
but also the steering wheel and cannons were made in Valašské Meziříčí
Valašské Mezirící
Valašské Meziříčí is a town in the Zlín Region, the Czech Republic. The town has 27,960 inhabitants.Vsetínská Bečva and Rožnovská Bečva rivers join in the town to form the Bečva River.-Main sights:* The Kinský Chateau...
, Czech Republic. Dozens of volunteers from all over the Czech Republic worked in the woodwork workshop of Vilém Pavlica since June 2009
June 2009
June 2009 was the sixth month of that year. It began on a Monday and ended after 30 days on a Tuesday.- Portal:Current events :This is an archived version of Wikipedia's Current events Portal from June 2009....
. In December 2009
December 2009
December 2009 was the 12th month of that year. It began on a Tuesday and ended 31 days later on a Thursday. It was the last month of the 2000s decade.-Portal:Current events:...
all the material left for Egypt (stored in a container
Intermodal container
An intermodal container is a standardized reusable steel box used for the safe, efficient and secure storage and movement of materials and products within a global containerized intermodal freight transport system...
). Following year was mainly in the spirit of the 21st century
21st century
The 21st century is the current century of the Anno Domini era or the Common Era in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. The century began on January 1, 2001 and will end on December 31, 2100. The years from 2001 to 2010 are historical; the years from 2011 to 2100 are subject to futurology and...
technology. Boat’s engine
Engine
An engine or motor is a machine designed to convert energy into useful mechanical motion. Heat engines, including internal combustion engines and external combustion engines burn a fuel to create heat which is then used to create motion...
, electric generator, water and power distribution were installed. Most of the effort was again conducted by the Czech experts and volunteers. La Grace was floated on 5th December 2010 after nearly two years under construction.
Description of La Grace
La Grace is an authentic replica of the brig from the second half of the 18th century18th century
The 18th century lasted from 1701 to 1800 in the Gregorian calendar.During the 18th century, the Enlightenment culminated in the French and American revolutions. Philosophy and science increased in prominence. Philosophers were dreaming about a better age without the Christian fundamentalism of...
. Its construction is based on the blueprints which were published in 1768 by Swedish
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
admiral
Admiral
Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
Fredrik Henrik af Chapman
Fredrik Henrik af Chapman
Fredrik Henrik af Chapman was a Swedish shipbuilder, scientist and officer in the Swedish navy. He was also manager of the Karlskrona shipyard 1782-1793...
in the book Architectura navalis mercatoria. He is sometimes considered the greatest shipwright of all times who laid the foundations of the modern shipbuilding relying on precise blueprints. Long before Ford
Henry Ford
Henry Ford was an American industrialist, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and sponsor of the development of the assembly line technique of mass production. His introduction of the Model T automobile revolutionized transportation and American industry...
he introduced batch production
Batch production
Batch production is a technique used in manufacturing, in which the object in question is created stage by stage over a series of workstations. Batch production is common in bakeries and in the manufacture of sports shoes, pharmaceutical ingredients , inks, paints and adhesives. In the manufacture...
of the ships using preconstructed segments and thus shortened the construction time up to ten fold. Many ships, both naval and merchant, were constructed using his blueprints. All the replicas of the historic sailing ships of 15th to 18th century are made using his plans.
Although La Grace is conceived in such a way that not even admiral Nelson would notice any ahistoric flaw or anachronism
Anachronism
An anachronism—from the Greek ανά and χρόνος — is an inconsistency in some chronological arrangement, especially a chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs in regard to each other...
on the first sight, inside there is all the modern technology, safety systems and equipment necessary to allow her safe navigation
Navigation
Navigation is the process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another. It is also the term of art used for the specialized knowledge used by navigators to perform navigation tasks...
and offer a pleasant time to her crew.
Giving the name La Grace
Contemporary La Grace is an authentic replica of the corsair vessel from 18th century, her name was chosen as per the famous sailing ship of Augustine Herman (which was actually a frigateFrigate
A frigate is any of several types of warship, the term having been used for ships of various sizes and roles over the last few centuries.In the 17th century, the term was used for any warship built for speed and maneuverability, the description often used being "frigate-built"...
) to remind the Czech maritime history. Baptism ceremony
Ship naming and launching
The ceremonies involved in naming and launching naval ships are based in traditions thousands of years old.-Methods of launch:There are three principal methods of conveying a new ship from building site to water, only two of which are called "launching." The oldest, most familiar, and most widely...
took place on 1st May 2011 in Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
, Greece as an apex of the four days long festivities. Bottle of Champagne was broken across the bow by the Miss Czech Republic
Miss Czech Republic
Miss České republiky was a national beauty pageant from the Czech Republic.-History:Before Miss Czech Republic existed, there was a similar pageant that took place between 1966 and 1979, known as Girl of the Year. Alžběta Štrkulová, a popular TV presenter in the Czech Republic, won in 1967. At...
Lucie Křížková
Lucie Váchová
Lucie Váchová is a beauty queen who won Miss Czech Republic as an 18-year-old and represented her country in Miss World 2003 in China.-References:...
. The boat has actually two godmothers. Apart from Mrs. Křížková there is also 18 months old Eliška Tannerová of Moravia
Moravia
Moravia is a historical region in Central Europe in the east of the Czech Republic, and one of the former Czech lands, together with Bohemia and Silesia. It takes its name from the Morava River which rises in the northwest of the region...
. Finale of the festivities took place on Cape Sounion, where captain
Captain (nautical)
A sea captain is a licensed mariner in ultimate command of the vessel. The captain is responsible for its safe and efficient operation, including cargo operations, navigation, crew management and ensuring that the vessel complies with local and international laws, as well as company and flag...
of the boat at sunset
Sunset
Sunset or sundown is the daily disappearance of the Sun below the horizon in the west as a result of Earth's rotation.The time of sunset is defined in astronomy as the moment the trailing edge of the Sun's disk disappears below the horizon in the west...
threw down to the water an offering to the god of sea Poseidon
Poseidon
Poseidon was the god of the sea, and, as "Earth-Shaker," of the earthquakes in Greek mythology. The name of the sea-god Nethuns in Etruscan was adopted in Latin for Neptune in Roman mythology: both were sea gods analogous to Poseidon...
, pleading for his good will.
Accomodation
- 7 double bed cabinsCabin (ship)A cabin or berthing is an enclosed space generally on a ship or an aircraft. A cabin which protrudes above the level of a ship's deck may be referred to as a "deckhouse."-Sailing ships:...
in central and stern part of the vessel. There is a folding double bed and another bed over it in every cabin. Passengers thus can decide whether they want to sleep next to each other or one over another. Cabins are suitable for two adults or a family with one child not older than approximately 15 years of age. Every two cabins under the poop deckPoop deckIn naval architecture, a poop deck is a deck that forms the roof of a cabin built in the rear, or "aft", part of the superstructure of a ship.The name originates from the French word for stern, la poupe, from Latin puppis...
have a common bathroomBathroomA bathroom is a room for bathing in containing a bathtub and/or a shower and optionally a toilet, a sink/hand basin/wash basin and possibly also a bidet....
with a toiletToiletA toilet is a sanitation fixture used primarily for the disposal of human excrement, often found in a small room referred to as a toilet/bathroom/lavatory...
. Three cabins under the main deck have one common bathroom. - 8 beds in the cabin under the forecastleForecastleForecastle refers to the upper deck of a sailing ship forward of the foremast, or the forward part of a ship with the sailors' living quarters...
and 4 beds in the dining room. For cadets there are two bathrooms under the forecastle. - First two of the cabins under the main deck can be dismantled. This will clear another four beds for the cadets as well as double the size of the dining room. This space could then be used for various events, parties or lectures.
First time on the high seas
During her first year on the high seas the boat navigated the sea between three landmasses – AfricaAfrica
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
, Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
and America
America
America usually refers to either:* The Americas, a landmass comprising North America and South America* The United States, a country in North AmericaAmerica may also refer to:- Other locations :* América, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina...
. As of November 2011
November 2011
November 2011 was the eleventh month of the current year. It began on a Tuesday and ended after 30 days.- Portal:Current events :...
she traversed the distance from Egypt to Greece, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, Aeolian Islands
Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian Islands or Lipari Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily, named after the demigod of the winds Aeolus. The locals residing on the islands are known as Eolians . The Aeolian Islands are a popular tourist destination in the summer, and attract up to...
, Corsica
Corsica
Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located west of Italy, southeast of the French mainland, and north of the island of Sardinia....
, Sardinia
Sardinia
Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea . It is an autonomous region of Italy, and the nearest land masses are the French island of Corsica, the Italian Peninsula, Sicily, Tunisia and the Spanish Balearic Islands.The name Sardinia is from the pre-Roman noun *sard[],...
, Elba
Elba
Elba is a Mediterranean island in Tuscany, Italy, from the coastal town of Piombino. The largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago, Elba is also part of the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago and the third largest island in Italy after Sicily and Sardinia...
, Balearic Islands
Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands are an archipelago of Spain in the western Mediterranean Sea, near the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula.The four largest islands are: Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera. The archipelago forms an autonomous community and a province of Spain with Palma as the capital...
, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, Gibraltar
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean. A peninsula with an area of , it has a northern border with Andalusia, Spain. The Rock of Gibraltar is the major landmark of the region...
and Canary Islands
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands , also known as the Canaries , is a Spanish archipelago located just off the northwest coast of mainland Africa, 100 km west of the border between Morocco and the Western Sahara. The Canaries are a Spanish autonomous community and an outermost region of the European Union...
. At the moment she is on her first transatlantic voyage heading to Carribean to spend the winter 2011/2012 there on the trips with tourists and adventurers.