Cutty Sark fire

Tea lovers around the world must be saddened, as I was, to hear about the devastating fire aboard the Cutty Sark yesterday. The world-famous tea clipper, built in 1869, was one of those ships which famously raced to China in pursuit of the season's first tea. I visited Cutty Sark a few years ago and marveled at the beautiful woodwork on deck, and then at the wonderful collection of ship figureheads below. I certainly wish the old ship well in the ongoing restoration efforts, which are no doubt greatly hindered by this tragic fire.