Crow’nest

[johnl]

I just finished Model Shipways Mayflower. I rigged sails on it and found that the two crow’s nests are behind the sails. How the lookouts see ahead since the sails blocked their view?

 

[Y.T.]

Please show the picture of how you rigged the sail.

 

[Y.T.]

Note that location of top sail spars on attached picture is for furled sails. When you unfurl the sail you raise the sail spar up.

 

[johnl]

Here are pictures of the sails and their relationship to the crows nests. I appreciate your responses.

 

[AllanKP69]

I rigged sails on it and found that the two crow’s nests are behind the sails. How the lookouts see ahead since the sails blocked their view?

The sails were always forward of the tops but you bring up a great question. I thought the lookouts were usually farther up. The tops were designed to support the deadeyes for the top masts shrouds and they also served as "fighting tops" in battle but maybe they were also used at times by lookouts even though the visibility would be more limited than at the upper mastheads where they could see farther due to the added elevation.

Possibly of some interest to you and others, the first recorded appearance of the term "crow's nest" on a ship was in 1807 used to describe William Scoresby's barrel platform, 187 years after the Mayflower landed at Plymouth,
Allan

 

[AndyA]

BrotherJohnl:
Here is a photo of Mayflower II under sail. A few things come to mind relative to the views from the tops:

• Looks like her topsails have much more hollow in the foot than yours, which provides better views
• Someone on the bowsprit would have an unimpeded view forward, if needed
• Someone assigned watch from the top wouldn't necessarily remain in the "crow's nest" but would move around to gain a better view of whatever was of interest

By the way, that's a fine looking model. Fair winds!