HMS Bounty – a film star sailing jewel available for sail
The HMS Bounty is one of the most beautiful and historically accurate ships in existence today. It also happens to be one of the most well documented…on film that is. That’s right. If you thought you recognized it, you probably have seen it before. It has been featured in a great many movies including Treasure Island and Pirates of the Caribbean as well as having the title role in Mutiny on the Bounty. It is also rumored that this particular piece of naval and cinematic history will be featured at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.
Constructed originally by Smith and Ruhland, it was commissioned by MGM Studios for the original Mutiny movie which starred Marlon Brando. The original Bounty that it was built to recreate was built in 1784.
When the ship was purchased by the HMS Bounty Organisation LLC, a 3 part renovation was undertaken. Ironically the first part was to destroy the ship by pumping 30,000 gallons of water per hour into the hull so that the hull could be replaced. Stage 2 occurred in Bayou Le Batre, Alabama and included refitting 9 sails and rigging it out for an appearance in Pirate’s of the Caribbean. The final renovation stage was an intensive one. It called for replacing the planks of the ribs and deck as well as refitting the superstructure and deck.
As of now, the ship is used for education programs. Field trips for both primary and secondary schools, group leadership, square rigged sales training and summer sailing camps are what this ship aids in.
This magnificent ship is now for sale and the current owner is looking to sell it to someone who will appreciate and understand the ship’s value and history as well as have an understanding of the ship’s application in the commercial aspect.
