Fleet sail 17 September 09

The 2nd annual fleet sail of Steel Chapman and Hutchinson 1:24 scale ships on Grand Lake MN. The fleet consists of the Frigate HMS Surprise, a top sail schooner of His Majesty's Ships, and the brig USS Syren. The winds were light and variable but the sailing was wonderful. It is so grand to see the white sails on the water and the ships manuvering for position. The Syren has 18 working carronades and cannon and she is seen firing on Surprise. The model is exquisite in details and beautifully made. The Top Sail Schooner is built from an SC&H brig hull and re-rigged as a schooner. It is also beautifully made with exquisite detailing. The frigate is the largest of the fleet and today the captain had all the canvas in the locker aloft. She would maneuver in very light winds with the royals reaching for the sky and the stuns'ls catching any hint of breeze. A most excellent day on the water. RG