La Grace - Flagship of Africa-Europe Challenge in 2014
by Tamas Szekely on 9 Sep 2014
La Grace - Africa-Europe Challenge Tamas Szekely
Tall Ship La Grace, an authentically built replica of a brig from the second half of the 18th century, is also to take part in the events of Africa-Europe Challenge Yacht Rally in 2014 as the flagship of the cruise.
The Ship
According to a Wikipedia entry on the ship, La Grace is an authentic replica of the brig from the second half of the 18th century. Brigs were the most common commercial ship since they didn’t require a large crew. For their speed and maneuverability they were used by navy as courier boats, for combats with pirates and for espionage. The construction of La Grace is based on blueprints published in 1768 by Swedish Admiral Fredrik Henrik af Chapman in the book Architectura Navalis Mercatoria. Chapman is credited as the first naval architect who laid the foundations of the modern shipbuilding while relying on precise blueprints. He introduced batch production of the ships using pre-constructed segments long before Henry Ford, and thus radically shortened the construction time. Many ships, both naval and merchant ships, were constructed using his blueprints, including modern replicas of the historic sailing ships from 15th to 18th century.
Although La Grace is built in such a way that even admiral Nelson will not recognize any historical inconsistency at first sight, inside she is equipped by all the modern electronics, safety systems and equipment which will allow her to sail safely and also provide the crew by comfortable environment for relaxation or training.
La Grace in AEC
La Grace, as the flagship of AEC will play an important role during the ceremonial starts of rally legs, will sail together with the AEC fleet and will be hosting VIP events while in port. Further to this, it is also very likely that Captain Dvorsky and his crew, as inveterate naval tradition-keepers will not only entertain all who is interested by their appearance wearing all authentic costumes, but also by telling interesting stories from the history of boating, navigation, trading between continents and maybe some stories of their own adventures aboard La Grace too.
For adventurers seeking a closer insight of the life aboard such a historical vessel, it is also possible to book a cabin or a bunk on La Grace and take part in AEC events aboard this beauty. She offers six cabins in the aft and middle of the boat. In each cabin there is a double bed and over it a third bed, making them suitable for two adults or for a family with one child under 15 years of age. There are further eight bunks in the fore part and four more in the mess room.
For more details and availability please visit the reservation page of Official Africa Europe Challenge website
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