Herzogin Cecilie ship model

The Herzogin Cecilie was a four masted barque and built at Bremerhaven, Germany by Rickmers in 1902 for the Nord Deutscher Lloyd Company. As such she traded all over the world. Following World War I, Herzogin Cecilie was placed in French hands as part of war reparations, and then sold to Captain Gustaf Erikson of Mariehamn, Finland. Herzogin Cecilie was an extremely fast ship under sail, making several record passages from the west coast of South America to Europe and later from Australia to Europe.

Erikson's fleet, which included the Lawhill, Grace Harwar and Woodburn were largely engaged in the Australian grain trade and the Herzogin Cecilie was a frequent visitor in Spencer Gulf, one of many loading the summer grain harvest. The ships then vied in an unofficial 'race' to complete the return trip to Europe in record time: the first ship back with the new wheat fetching the highest prices for its owner. Herzogin Cecilie won this 'race' several times. The ship's last sailing was from South Australia with another cargo of wheat but on 25 April 1936 she stranded on the South Devon coast; partially unloaded she was floated and towed to nearby Starhole Bay near Salcombe. She was destroyed by the waves before repairs could be effected.

This scale model of the ship was made by Neil W. Cormack using his own specifications. It was presented to the Paul McGuire Maritime Library, ca. 1998. The model has hand painted decking, rigging, and other fine details.

Permission to use this item for any purpose, including publishing, is not required from the State Library under these conditions of use.

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