Minerva Half Hull
Since the 18th century it has been customary for shipwrights to fashion a half-model of a ship prior to construction.  Handcrafted forms similar to these enabled the builder to study and perfect the hull design before a complete set of plans were drawn. These models were not only functional but were often used to adorn the walls of the shipyard offices or awarded as trophies at sailing races.  The “Minerva” was designed and built by William Fife III in 1888 in Fairlie, Scotland.  She was one of the class of 40 foot class racing yachts that were built to be used.  She sailed to America and took on all comers and remained a winner until Edward Burgess built “Gossoon” specifically to beat her.  Our half hull is skillfully carved out of several different hardwoods and attractively mounted