Glenlee (ship) facts for kids
Glenlee as Galatea in 1922 at Cartagena Harbour
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| History | |
|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
|
| Name |
|
| Owner | |
| Port of registry |
|
| Builder | Anderson Rodger & Company, Bay Yard, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, Scotland |
| Cost | £24,000 (1896) |
| Yard number | 324 |
| Launched | 3 December 1896 |
| Maiden voyage | 13 December 1896 |
| Fate | Sold 1919 |
 Italy |
|
| Name | Clarastella |
| Owner | Società Italiana di Navigazione Stella d'Italia |
| Port of registry | Genoa |
| Acquired | 1919 |
| Fate | Sold 1922 |
 Spain |
|
| Name | Galatea |
| Owner | Escuela Naval Militar de Oficiales, Spanish Navy |
| Acquired | 1922 |
| Homeport | |
| Fate | Sold 1993 |
| United Kingdom |
|
| Name | Glenlee |
| Owner | Clyde Maritime Trust, Glasgow |
| Acquired | 1993 |
| Homeport | Glasgow |
| Status | Museum ship |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Three-masted barque |
| Tonnage |
|
| Displacement | c. 2,990 tons |
| Length |
|
| Beam | 37.5 ft (11.4 m) |
| Depth of hold | 22.5 ft (6.9 m) |
The Glenlee is a famous old ship with three masts. She was built in 1896 in Port Glasgow, Scotland, to carry cargo around the world. Over the years, she had different names like Islamount and Clarastella. From 1922, she became a training ship for the Spanish Navy, called Galatea. Today, she is back to her original name, Glenlee. You can visit her as a museum ship at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow, where she is known as The Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour.
Contents
About the Glenlee Ship
The Glenlee was built by Anderson Rodger & Company. Her shipyard was in Port Glasgow, Scotland. She was launched on December 3, 1896.
Ship's Size and Design
The ship's hull is about 245.5 ft (74.8 m) long. She is 37.5 ft (11.4 m) wide. Her depth is 22.5 ft (6.9 m). Including her long front pole, called a bowsprit, she is 282 ft (86 m) long overall.
The Glenlee was designed to be a cargo ship. She had a special sail setup. This helped save money on equipment and crew. Her square sails were a bit wider than usual. This gave her more sail area to help her move faster.
Ship's Journeys and Owners
The Glenlee started her first trip on December 13, 1896. She sailed to Liverpool and then to Portland, Oregon. For 23 years, she carried goods like a bulk cargo ship. She sailed around the world, going past the Cape of Good Hope to Australia. Then she returned by going around Cape Horn.
Changing Names and Owners
- From 1896 to 1898, she was owned by Archibald Sterling and Co. in Glasgow.
- From 1898 to 1905, she was called Islamount. Her owner was Islamount Sailing Ship Co Ltd in Dundee.
- From 1905 to 1918, she was owned by Flint Castle Shipping Co Ltd in Liverpool.
In 1919, the ship was sold to an Italian company. They renamed her Clarastella. This company also added two diesel engines to the ship in 1922.
Serving as a Training Ship
In 1922, the ship became a training vessel. She was bought by the Spanish Navy's Officers' Military Navy School. They renamed her Galatea. Many changes were made to the ship for this new role.
- A special bridge was added on the back deck.
- A longer pole was attached to the front bowsprit.
- New living areas were built for 300 cadets.
The Galatea helped train over 4,000 people. This was during a difficult time in Spain's history.
Saving the Glenlee
After more than 47 years, the Galatea was no longer used for training. She was kept in A Graña, Spain. In 1981, her bottom part was repaired. Later, she was stripped of her rigging and towed to Seville. The plan was to use her as a floating museum.
A New Beginning
The ship had become very old and damaged. People decided to scrap her. But in 1990, a British naval expert found the ship. In 1993, she was saved from being scrapped. She was bought for about £40,000.
The ship was made seaworthy again. All the extra parts added by the Spanish Navy were removed. Then, the ship was towed back to Glasgow. This was her first time back since she was launched in 1896.
Restoration and Museum Life
The Glenlee went into dry-dock for repairs. Her old propellers were removed. All the plates below the water were checked and fixed. She also got a new coat of paint.
A six-year-long restoration project began.
- A new wooden figurehead was carved for the front of the ship.
- Her original masts and yards (the poles that hold the sails) were put back.
- Many other parts were replaced or repaired.
The Spanish government even returned her old masts and yards. They realized the ship would be fully restored. On July 6, 1993, the ship got her original name, Glenlee, back. The Glenlee is now part of the National Historic Fleet.
As a museum ship, the Glenlee is a popular place to visit. She offers educational programs and hosts events. You can also volunteer there. Since June 2011, the ship has been open to the public. She is located at Glasgow's Riverside Museum.
Images for kids
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Glenlee as Galatea in 1922 at Cartagena Harbour
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Glenlee docked at her home outside the Riverside Museum, Glasgow.
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Glenlee's figurehead "Mary Doll".
See also
In Spanish: Galatea (1922) para niños
