I read that last monday morning the famous British Clipper "Cutty Sark" burnt down. Apparently, but they're not sure yet, the fire was set deliberately.

I had the good fortune to walk her decks when I was visiting Greenwich and it was quite an experience, even more so since she was the first modelship I've ever built. But then to see the rampage the fire has left, it is just sad.

But not as sad as the comments of people on the restoration-issue. I guess that they don't want to perserve their history since it is 'just' a ship. Don't they see the beauty of her? Or the impact she had on history, being the fastest clipper in the world in her heyday during the tearaces in the 19th century?

Yes, it is an old ship, but just as the Natural History Museum is a bunch of old bones and Stonehenge is a pile of rocks and the Doomsday Book is yes, you guessed it....just a book. Some people don't attach any value to historical items such as these. Even if you think in pure economic terms, given that tourists don't go to the UK for the weather, it also pays economically to preserve history.

Besides, the CS is owned by a Trust and all the restorations that have been done and need to be done now to restore her to her former glory are being payed for with donations and not with people's tax money! Fortunately she has an iron frame and iron plates on her hull and they were already busy on restoring the corrosion and a lot was taken off already, such as the figurehead and all of the masts, yards and rigging; at least that is saved. Still, over 50% of the timber is gone up in flames ....

Here is the link to the BBC news to read the story.