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A Few Interesting Words On Model Sailing Ships | Sports World

May 09 2008

A Few Interesting Words On Model Sailing Ships

Published by Author at 2:05 am under Sailing

Model sailing ships have a very long history and are not as per popular belief a hobby of the present times, though it shot to prominence only in the past few decades. If you look back at the history of these ships, you would find that the Egyptians perfected this art some 5000 years ago when they made it part of the burial entourage.

These funeral boats in Egypt were meant for helping the soul of the departed into the next life. The model sailing ships found at burial grounds show that this art was taken very seriously at that time as the miniature ships are exquisitely and painstakingly made with all the possible details it should have. These model sailing ships were made out of sycamore in Egypt.

In Europe and Christian kingdom model ships were made as a symbol of blessing. These grew in importance and popularity in the 12-15th centuries whereby all ship that had to sail would take model sailing ships for blessing (to be carried with them on the ship) for the captain and its crew.

Contrasting the Egyptian funeral model ships, these ships were crudely carved out of balsa wood or any soft pliable wood; most of these were rough models of galleys and galleons which were common sight during those days. Many museums in Europe showcase these model sailing ships today.

The Model Sailing Ships Today

The hobby of made to scale ships started long ago when French war prisoners whiled their time in captivity carving exceptionally looking models of ship out of wood, bone and human hair. So beautiful were these boats that it started a chain reaction of an engaging hobby throughout the world.

Today, you would find scale models of any era you wanted made out of wood, fiber, sheet metal, plastic, silver and even gold. These models vary from the simplest to the most intricate designs possible. You would also find a hot favorite all over the world of ships made inside a bottle. These models are as beautiful as they are intriguing, but also quite expensive.

For many this makes a very challenging and highly enjoyable hobby that consumes a lot of time and resources. This hobby is often so all-consuming and engaging, that it metamorphed into a very lucrative business with the time passing.

Of course, today the newcomers find it easy to enter this wonderful world because of the do-it-yourself kits that are available in plenty. Though these model sailing ships are not as challenging to create, nobody can deny their beauty.