Ready for Immediate Display - Not a Model Ship kit 

Search for lost treasure as you set sail for adventure on the high seas aboard this scale tall model ship replica of a Caribbean pirate ship. This exquisitely constructed sailing ship is highlighted by fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. These Caribbean pirate ship models proudly display their exquisitely-crafted features whether seated upon a shelf, desk, or table, and bring an indomitable spirit of adventure to any room or office. 

• Built from scratch by master artisans
• Individual wooden planks used in hull construction
• High quality woods include cherry, birch, maple, and rosewood
• Extensive rigging features over 100 blocks and deadeyes
• Gun ports actually cut into the hull
• Amazing Details, including:
  • Planked deck with nail holes
  • Authentic scale lifeboat with oars
  • Rudder chains, metal anchors, cannonball racks
  • Fine-crafted embellishments carved on stern below twin lanterns
  • Additional deck details such as cannon balls, barrels, rope coils, and other nautical items
  • 10 masterfully stitched, heavy canvas sails hold shape and do not wrinkle
  • Taut rigging with varied thread gauge and color
• Meticulous painting accurately matches authentic pirate ships
• Limited production run of these tall ship models
• Certificate of Authenticity individually numbered and signed by HMS Founder and Master Builder Richard Norris
• Wooden display base features four arched dolphins
  • Pictured with marble base (available for purchase)
• Extensive research of original plans, historical drawings, paintings, and actual photographs ensures the highest possible accuracy

Pirate Ships of the Caribbean:
      
       Throughout the Golden Age of Piracy three classes of ships were of particular use throughout the Caribbean. Rising to prominence in 16th century Mediterranean piracy, the brigantine displayed a square-rigged foremast and fore and aft sails on the main mast, allowing for superior maneuverability and speed. Weighing up to 150 tons, and capable of carrying 100 crew and 12 cannons, these ships had twice the cargo space of sloops and became a favorite of pirates in the Caribbean two hundred years later.
       The galleon was also used favorably, though was a much harder target for pirates to acquire. Developed in the 15th and 16th centuries in Spain and Portugal, these massive ships typically boasted two or three decks, as many as four masts, and carried up to 200 crew and 70 cannons. The downside to such might and firepower was sacrificing speed and agility, as galleons generally made eight knots maximum and were ineffective at sailing into the wind. While pirates utilized these large ships for intimidation, schooners and brigantines were generally preferred.
       A later development in shipbuilding, the schooner was of Dutch and North American design, coming to fruition in the 1700s. Crafted with narrow hulls and fore and aft sails for maneuverability and speed, as well as operation in shallow waters, the schooner was perfect for quick pirate raids, though it lacked in size of crew, storage space, and cannon compliments.

Privateers and Buccaneers:

       Arising from international wars, territorial disputes, and trade conquest, it became a necessity for European powers in the 16th century to expand their early navies. Privateering rose to prominence during this time as a seamless and cost-effective method of enhancing a country’s seafaring presence, particularly in the Caribbean. During times of war these powerful European nations would authorize private citizens and ships with letters of marquee, allowing them to legally attack foreign ships at sea. As these privateers were funded by private investors, the captured ships and bounty would be divided between the sailors, investors, and the government granting the letters of marquee. While this was exceedingly effective for these seafaring powers during war, it also lead to a rise in piracy as many of the privateers would not relinquish their lives at sea at war’s end.
       Specific to the Caribbean were pirates termed buccaneers, a name derived from the Caribbean Arawak Indians. Generally these were French, Dutch, and English citizens who had lived sparingly off of the land, only later turning to piracy as a means to better lives in the developing Caribbean, often operating with the partial support of the non-Spanish colonies, their activities generally considered “legal” until the 1700s. 
      
The Fall of the Golden Age of Piracy:

       Following the War of Spanish Succession, in the early 18th century, the Caribbean experienced its second expansion of piracy. With the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht multiple European nations agreed on peaceful terms, leaving countless thousands of sailors and soldiers without work. As shipping and slave trade was booming during this time, in what is called the triangular trade, the Caribbean saw a massive economic rise, which in turn lead to further piracy. While this initial influx of sailors was a boon for piracy, soon their numbers and conduct began to attract the attention of European naval powers. With an even greater stake in Caribbean trade than the previous century, large navies began to protect merchant ships and eventually transitioned to hunting the pirates themselves. As profits shrunk and the pirate lifestyle became increasingly deadly, the Golden Age of Piracy saw its end, though the legends from its time would live on throughout history.