Pirate Ship.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Proposal to have the ship rising from the stage.

[left] Below stage level.

The ship is supported by an electric scissor-lift (Dimensions used) which is chocked and fixed in position.

A ply platform - the main deck platform - that is wider than the top of the lift, is fixed to the lift which is then raised so the platform forms part of the stage floor.

The bow and stern are hinged from either end of the main deck platform and swung into position when the ship is raised.

The gunwales are folded up under the main deck platform.

[left] Ship in down position

(Please note that there are many inaccuracies in these first draft drawings - for example: downstage at the top of the stairs, one of the risers is missing. Sorry! :-)

[left] First steps in transformation

Six pieces of stage are removed and joists and bearers (not shown) either slid back or removed. Approx 3 teams of 2 crew required.

The mast is carried on with sails attached and yards swung and possibly fixed to the mast. The mast socket is located into some unobtrusive holes in the main deck platform. Approx 4 crew.

[left] Continuing transformation ...

The cable or rope that runs from the fore-post to the bowsprit to the top of the mast and over the stern transom (shown in final assembly) is fixed but not tightened.

Approx 2 crew support the mast as the ship is raised.

[left] Continuing transformation ...

The bowsprit pivots and the bow and stern sections and the gunwales are swung into position. Each piece will have sliding joists and/or rigid supports down to stage level. Approx 3-4 crew per section being positioned.

The locking and securing of these pieces is critical to the safety of the effect.

[left] Finally ...

The pieces of stage and their supports are re-installed.

Once all pieces are in postion the scissor lift is dropped an inch or two so the weight is spread as much as possible.

The shrouds are attached to the gunwales and the bow/masthead/transom cable is fixed at the upstage end of the ship.

The lower part of the hull is of fabric with shaped metal battens sewn to the inside to give shape. The fabric can remain attached to the underside of the gunwale sections and be velcroed to the stern and bow.

General Notes:

I have shown a single mast for simplicity sake. Let me know if that is a problem.

I have shown the futtock shrouds with batlines rather than ratlines - timber battens threaded through the rigging which supports the mast rather than ropes: they're much easier to climb.

This is a fairly literal interpretation of a pirate ship - would it be appropriate, given it's a very theatrical sequence, to make the ship less solid and more fantastical? I haven't looked into it but it might well mean a simpler stronger transformation.