The Cutty Sark, one of the world’s most famous ships, has been recreated in virtual reality on behalf of the Royal Museums Greenwich, experts from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and Smartify. By surveying the Cutty Sark using state-of-the-art 360 photos, 3D scanning, and drone photography, the team has been able to accurately replicate the ship digitally in 3D and develop a virtual reality (VR) experience now available for the public to explore.
For those not aware of British naval history, the Cutty Sark is a British clipper ship, listed by National Historic Ships as part of the National Historic Fleet, and is one of only three surviving original composite construction (wooden hull on an iron frame) clipper ships from the 19th century.
She was launched in 1869 for the Jock Willis Shipping Line to serve as a tea clipper on the trade routes between Europe and the East Indies.
Virtual visit
For those who can’t see the exhibit in person, especially during current maintenance of the deck, this 3D tour of Cutty Sark’s Poop Deck (the raised deck at the back, or stern, of the ship) can be explored interactively using a web browser (phone, desktop, laptop) with or without VR.
