An accurate, detailed and optimised model of a Victorian Thames Barge, of the type commonly found on and around the London River Thames from the 18th through to early 20th centuries. Due to being created for cinematic use, this model is provided UN-TEXTURED, but is UV unwrapped with organised hierarchies and colour IDs.

• Highly accurate: based on period plans obtained from Greenwich Maritime Archives
• Engine ready: relatively low poly for the scale, ready for engine or offline use with unwrapped and logically laid out meshes.
• Two hold states: open and closed, simply deactivate the meshes you do not require. Hold interiors fully modelled.
• No sails or textures: this model is provided 'as is' in the clay renders above. Please only request these components if you'd be willing to pay for the work involved to include them.

History

A Thames sailing barge is a type of commercial sailing boat once common on the River Thames in London. The flat-bottomed barges, with a shallow draught and leeboards, were perfectly adapted to the Thames Estuary, with its shallow waters and narrow tributary rivers. The larger barges were seaworthy vessels, and were the largest sailing vessel to be handled by just two men. The average size was about 120 tons and they carried 4,200 square feet (390 m2) of canvas sail in six working sails. The mainsail was loose-footed and set up with a sprit, and was brailed to the mast when not needed. It is sheeted to a horse, as is the foresail; they require no attention when tacking. The foresail is often held back by the mate to help the vessel come about more swiftly. They sailed the Medway and Thames in a ponderous way for two hundred years; then in the 1860s a series of barge races were started, and the barges' design improved as vessels were built with better lines in order to win. The Thames barge races are the world's second oldest sailing competition, second to the America's Cup.