Reviving Surprise
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Reviving Surprise Reconfiguration of “HMS” Rose into “HMS” Surprise for Her Role in “Master & Commander”, and Restoring her Certification Presented By: David L. Kolthoff, P.E. Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, San Diego Section October 16, 2007 1 Abstract n The replica sailing ship “HMS” Rose was purchased by film studio 20th Century Fox, and featured in the 2003 film “Master and Commander: Far Side of the World”. Renamed “HMS” Surprise, the vessel was modified for her film role, but in the process lost her US Coast Guard certification as a School Ship. In 2005, the vessel was purchased by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Under the direction of Captain Chris Welton, Museum staff and volunteers have worked to bring Surprise back to operating condition, and worked with the USCG Marine Safety Office to restore her School Ship certification. This presentation provides an overview of changes to Rose over the years, the changes made for her film role as Surprise, and work to restore her certification. n The opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the author, and do not reflect those of the Rose Foundation, the Maritime Museum of San Diego, or the Department of the Navy. The author bears sole responsibility for any errors or omissions. 2 Outline n Historical Perspective q Why Rose as Replica? q Historic Rose (1756) and Surprise (1796) n Rose (1970)As-Built and Career n Conversion to Surprise for “Master and Commander” n Surprise at MMSD q Surprise as Received q Refit and Disappointment – 2005 – 2006 q Restoring Certification - 2007 3 Historic Perspective - Why Rose Replica? n Concept by Rhode Island historian John Fitzhugh Millar. n For 1976 Bicentennial celebrations, build replicas of ships that were significant to the Revolution. q Fleet would include a full rigged ship, a brig, a square topsail schooner, a square topsail sloop (John Paul Johns’ Providence), and Bushnell’s Turtle. n Ship would be HMS Rose. (Started with the largest.) q Rose was significant to Rhode Island history. q Successful suppression of RI smuggling industry helps spur RI entry in Revolution. 4 Historic Perspective – Rose (1756) n Part of Seaford Class, of 6th Rate Frigates, 20 guns. q Based on lines of yacht Royal Caroline (1750). n Rose built in 1757. n 1774 – 1776: Enforced customs in Narraganset Bay, Rhode Island, making her infamous in local history. q Effective suppression of lucrative smuggling industry created disaffection against the British Crown, and encouraged Rhode Island’s early participation in the Revolution. n 1779 – Sunk as blockship in Charleston, SC. 5 Historic Perspective – Rose (1756) Lines Drawing from Admiralty Plans - 1756 Square Front to Forecastle Head Quarterdeck Begins at Main Mast Open Waist Long Stern Run Bluff, Full Bow National Maritime Museum - Greenwich 6 Historic Perspective – Surprise (1796) n Built in La Havre, France, as L’Unite in 1794. q Built as 24 gun corvette. n Captured by British in 1796, and put into service as Surprise. (A L’Unite was already in British service.) q Classed as sixth rate frigate, 28 guns. n Most significant service – cutting out mutiny ship Hermione in 1799. n Sold for scrap in 1802. n Model for HMS Surprise in Patrick O’Brien’s Aubrey/Maturin series. 7 Historic Perspective – Surprise (1796) Inboard Profile from Admiralty Plans - 1796 Round front to forecastle head More modern lines – sharper forward, fuller aft National Maritime Museum - Greenwich 8 Historic Perspective Comparison of Particulars: Rose (1756) Surprise (1796) Rose (1970) Length OA xx xx 179’ Length on 108’-11” 126’ 135’ Deck Length at Keel 90’-10” 108’-6” 109’-6” Draft xx xx 13’ Depth of Hold 9’-6” 10’ 18.5’ (Hull) Beam 30’-4” 34’-8” 32’ Displ (tons) 430 378 500 9 Rose (1970) – As Built n Designed by Philip C. Bolger, Gloucester, MA. n Built by Smith & Rhuland, Lunenburgh, Nova Scotia. q Last vessel built by that shipyard. n Laid down June, 1969. n Launched March, 1970. n Keel: Douglas fir. n Frames and planking – Local woods - white and red oak, birch, beech, maple. n Lower masts steel. n Completed May, 1970. 10 Rose (1970) – As Built (cont’d) n Engines included in design, but not provided as built to preserve funds. n Decks: q Main (spar) Deck – full length with 24” break at quarterdeck q “Gun” Deck – 7’ head height q Hold n 6 watertight compartments below Gun Deck. 11 Rose (1970) – As Built (cont’d) Drawing: Philip C. Bolger 12 Rose (1970) – As Built (cont’d) Photo: Knickle Studios 13 Rose (1970) – As Built (cont’d) Photo: William Lanagan 14 Rose (1970) – Early Career Rose Enters Boston Harbor - 1970 Photo: Philip C. Bolger 15 Rose (1970) – Early Career (cont’d) n Early Rose organization had more ambition than resources. n Could not participate in OpSail ’76. n Operated mostly as dockside attraction in Newport, RI. n 1988 – Sold to what would become The Rose Foundation. 16 Rose (1970) – Early Career (cont’d) n 1984 – Legislation passed to permit service as sail training vessel. n 1989 – Rose upgraded for sail training, included adding engines and accommodations. n Operated under direction of Captain Richard Bailey. n Certified for sail-training by USCG in 1991. n Operated cruise program though 2000. n 2001 – Sold to 20th Century Fox for use in film “Master and Commander – Far Side of the World.” 17 Conversion to Surprise n Hull Changes; q Change flat bow to round q Change transom q Remove deckhouses and coamings q Add height to bulwarks and add hammock frames. q Change billethead. Change figurehead from “Chester” to Athena.” q Added copper sheet to hull n Mechanical Changes: q Replace original helm at transom with double wheel, below- deck control station, and hydraulic steering. 18 Conversion to Surprise (cont’d) n Rig Changes: q Add royal masts and yards for fore and main q Add studding sails q Change mizzen topsail to topsail and topgallant. q “Bulk-up” wire standing rigging to make appearance of hemp rope. 19 Conversion to Surprise (cont’d) n Changes made under guidance of Capt. Bailey and John Poindexter (New England historical shipwright). n At Capt. Bailey’s insistence, all ship changes were permanent and to marine standards. q No temporary sets. n West coast work done at Southwest Marine, Inc, and at Ensenada. 20 Conversion to Surprise – Hull Changes n Bow changes: Photo: Gene Carl Feldman Photo: Al Sorkin 21 Conversion to Surprise – Hull Changes n Bow changes (cont’d): Photo: Al Sorkin Photo: Dave Kolthoff 22 Conversion to Surprise – Hull Changes n Transom changes: Photo: Dave Kolthoff Photo: John Poindexter Photo: Al Sorkin 23 Conversion to Surprise – Hull Changes n Remove deckhouses and coamings: Original helm Photo: Knickle Studios 24 Conversion to Surprise – Hull Changes n Remove deckhouses and coamings (cont’d): New double wheel helm Photo: Dave Kolthoff 25 Conversion to Surprise – Hull Changes n Add height to bulwarks and add hammock frames : Photos: Al Sorkin 26 Conversion to Surprise – Hull Changes q Change figurehead from “Chester” to Athena.” Photo: Gene Carl Feldman Painting: Carol Cottone Kolthoff 27 Conversion to Surprise – Hull Changes q Added copper sheet to hull. Photo: Al Sorkin (2001) Photo: Dave Kolthoff (2005) 28 Conversion to Surprise – Helm Changes Photo: Gene Carl Feldman Other Photos: Dave Kolthoff 29 Conversion to Surprise – Rig Changes q Sail changes. Photo: William Langahan Photo: Al Sorkin 30 Conversion to Surprise – Rig Changes q “Bulk-up standing rigging Photos: Al Sorkin 31 Surprise at MMSD n Surprise stored at Shelter Island after filming M-C. n MMSD proposed arrangement of store and maintain Surprise for 20th Century Fox, if MMSD retains proceeds. n 2005 - MMSD purchases Surprise. Captain Chris Welton assigned as licensed master. n Crew/volunteers make repairs to prepare for sea: q Tighten and adjust rigging q Engine maintenance conducted q Drydocked to assess condition at SWM (no USCG inspection) n Prepped to sail with Star of India in 2006. 32 Surprise at MMSD (cont’d): As received - 2005 Photos: Dave Kolthoff 33 Surprise at MMSD (cont’d): As received - 2005 Photos: Dave Kolthoff 34 Surprise at MMSD (cont’d): n 2006 – USCG determines Surprise needs certification before it can be operated. 2006 sail is cancelled. USCG requests: q Underwater hull inspection q New stability letter 35 Surprise at MMSD (cont’d): Disappointment - 2006 Photos: Dave Kolthoff 36 Surprise at MMSD (cont’d): n 2007 –Surprise is drydocked at the Marine Group, Chula Vista, using new 600 ton Travelift. q USCG inspection conducted, hull satisfactory. q Hull valves inspected/repaired. q Rudder gudgeons repaired. q Zincs replaced. q One hull plank replaced. (Above waterline.) Seams re-caulked. q Hull painted. (So long, copper sheathing.) q Mizzen must be removed to fit in Travelift. Repairs made to mizzen masts and standing rigging tarred. 37 Surprise at MMSD (cont’d): Drydocking - 2007 Photos: Dave Kolthoff 38 Surprise at MMSD (cont’d): Drydocking – 2007 (con’td) Photos: Dave Kolthoff 39 Surprise at MMSD (cont’d): Drydocking – 2007 (con’td) Photos: Dave Kolthoff 40 Surprise at MMSD (cont’d): n 2007 – Topside repairs continue after return to MMSD. q New conning station installed. Rudder still operated through double-wheel M-C helm. q Repaired rotted deck beams and planking. q Re-stepped and rigged mizzen. n April, 2007 – Surprise receives USCG certification for Sail Training and as Attraction Vessel. Restrictions to clear before operating under sail: q Update stability letter – 1991 stability letter accepted with “windage diagram”, pending deadweight survey q Closures to be provided for open waist hatches 41 Surprise at MMSD (cont’d): Topside Repairs - 2007 Photos: Dave Kolthoff 42 Surprise at MMSD (cont’d): Topside Repairs – 2007 (cont’d) Photos: Dave Kolthoff 43 Surprise at MMSD (cont’d): Sail Training – 2007 Photos: Dave Kolthoff 44 Surprise at MMSD (cont’d): n Conclusion – To Be Determined 45.