The Curse of the Flying Dutchman

Hello there! Is that a real ship, the Flying Dutchman? Let me explain the mystery behind the ghost ship and how it inspired our ship model 40101.

I finished building the Mocmodel Flying Dutchman 40101 last week and discovered it's more than a Lego-compatible model. Holding it in my hands, I was in awe of the little vessel's weight and craftsmanship. The ship seemed to be carrying the weight of centuries' worth of myth or tradition, and I could feel everything circling the ship's and her crew's fate and curse.

The Legend of the Flying Dutchman

Is that a real ship, the Flying Dutchman? Indeed, Hendrick Vanderdecken, a Dutchman, is the captain. While travelling to Amsterdam via the Cape of Good Hope, his crew encountered a severe storm. Even if it took sailing until the day of doom, he determined to reach the land, earning him the Flying Dutchman's curse. The Dutchman is, therefore, destined to sail indefinitely without ever arriving at his destination.

Many sailors throughout the 19th and 20th centuries reported seeing a ship in the storm eye's centre. On deck was a crew of the dead, a shipwreck with a foreboding glow, and ragged sails flapping in the wind. Anyone who came near the ship was thought to be pulled into the depths and made a permanent member of the spectral crew.

Explanations as an Optical Illusion

It was quickly determined that the apparition of the spectral ship was an optical illusion brought on by a phenomenon known as a mirage. What precisely is a mirage, though? In some weather circumstances, objects in the sky can be perfectly reflected, giving the impression that a ship and its crew are flying through the air. Therefore, we have grounds to assume that the appearance of the phantom ship was the consequence of a natural cheat.

After searching the references, I discovered a pertinent tale from Round-about Rambles in Lands of Fact and Fancy. A ship was seen drifting beneath the picture when a crew was on a cruise. There was, in fact, a ship on the water that resembled the one in the air when the captain sent a sailor to climb into the crow's nest. The most entertaining part is that another ship was soon spotted in the skies; however, this one was a steamship that looked bottom-up, which is how mirages typically seem. The seamen argued, scratched their heads, wondering what they saw in the world, and eventually agreed that the phantom ship was a mirage.

Dutchman Design: Combining Aesthetics and Functionality

Let's examine the elegantly designed model 40101. The ship stands out from other ship models because of its dark brown hull, which is adorned with orange-yellow and grey-green decorations. The distinctive colour scheme significantly increases the ship's overall aesthetic appeal, making the entire thing seem more majestic and enigmatic. Seaweed, fire torches, and an octopus are among the accessories on the sides and stern that give the appearance a more genuine feel.

Tall and Sturdy Sails

Made of polyester, the sails appear tall and robust. The central hollow design undoubtedly heightens the sense of mystery. The ship combines enormous square and triangular sails to improve speed and stability. Strong winds, waves, and storms are commonplace in the North, Atlantic, and Mediterranean, where Dutchmen have frequently sailed throughout history. As a result, the sails need to be strong enough to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Sharp Bowsprit

In the Dutchman model, the bow is shaped like an arch. The entire bow resembles a beast's mouth tearing through the sea thanks to grey-green embellishments on both sides resembling sharp teeth. Furthermore, the cutting-style bowsprit is erect and pointed, so it can better handle rough seas and cross waves. It also lowers water resistance and speeds up the ship.

Discover the Octopus at the Stern

The stern is designed with a flat tail instead of a conventional rudder. This was true for most 19th-century Dutman ships since it reduced water resistance and enhanced ship control.

Try to find a secret surprise at the stern. On the third floor, a vast octopus is dangling. Does it remind you of the notorious Captain Jones from the pirate films set in the Caribbean? He is described as having a half-octopus, half-human visage, a beard made of tentacles, and the capacity to manipulate aquatic life. According to another version, Davy Jones would send his oceanic servants to assist the Flying Dutchman's crew whenever they encountered sea problems.

The Best Flying Dutchman Model to Replicate the Legend

Are you prepared to acquire a piece of maritime folklore and still in awe of the myths?Mocmodel Flying Dutchman 40101 is a complex challenge that requires 3,653 constructing bricks. However, it communicates a sense of design and legend in addition to being a toy model. This ship set's distinctive colour scheme, robust sails, and pointed bowsprit will undoubtedly help you better understand nautical history and how it affected society at the time. It is an additional ancient ship that you can add to your collection of Mocmodel block-building kits if you already have other kinds. Don't pass up this fantastic display set for your house or place of business.