Reputedly, the oldest ship model in Europe is the Mataró model. This unique model draws huge interest on an international scale and is part of the permanent collection of the Maritime Museum Rotterdam. The museum has completed extensive historical research into the background and construction of the Mataró model and gives an overview of its findings in this edition.
When did leeboards come into use and how did they originate? This edition features the researcher's answer to these questions, illustrated with pictures from old prints and postcards.
Restoring a contemporary ship model requires a sense of responsibility and respect for the object. The way in which one sets about this is documented in the story of the restoration of the war frigate the Surveillante.
When it comes to builder's models the emphasis is on appearance and faithfulness to the original. These aspects are examined using the restoration of the steamship Insulinde as a basis.
The yarns about lifeboats are often heroic and infrequently tinged with sadness. In a technical sense, however, they are spectacular ships that are perfectly fitted out for the job. The Prins Hendrik is one such ship that falls into this category.
This edition also features our first international contribution. This fascinating story of a pilot boat recounts its two divergent lives; first as the pilot schooner Emden, later Duhnen, and later sailing the world's seas as the privately-owned schooner Yankee. Contributed courtesy of the German Arbeitskreis Historischer Schiffbau E.V.
To conclude, maritime art has also acquired a permanent place in Maritime History. This edition features a water colour by English artist Martin Swan.
