By guest writer Mariana Pereira, who want to thanks Tiago Fraga for assistance
In 1821 the Admiral Cândido José Mourão Garcez Palha, Intendant of the Royal Navy of Goa and Inspector of the Goa Arsenals requested to D. João VI of Portugal permission to build a new ship, in “Damão”. The Admiral supported his case upon Damão’s cheap labour and wood availability, due to nearby forests of teak. The affirmative answer came three years later along with the instructions. The construction was financed with the income from tobacco plus contributions from the Government of Macau. Although the construction of the new frigate had some hardships, the hull was finally launched on October 22nd 1843. As standard procedure, it travelled to Goa, by guindolas (improvised masts), where it was fitted with masts, spars and rigging. Although with some missing inner works, the frigate, with 273 people on board, sailed from Goa on February, 2nd of 1845, and reached the Tagus River, in Lisbon, without incidents on July 4th.
The ship dubbed Dom Fernando II e Glória in honor of the king-consort D. Fernando II and Queen Maria II, birth name Maria da Glória. This name served simultaneously as reference to the ship’s patron saint, Nossa Senhora da Glória, of special devotion among Goans.
This vessel, lost due a fire, raised and rebuilt in the XX century was the last Indiamen of the Portuguese Navy. D. Fernando e Gloria sailed for 33 years, travelled more than 100 thousand miles and was considered to be of good sailing, of excellent maneuverability and with good on-board facilities.
Its characteristics include:
Maximum length - 83.40 m;
Beam on deck - 12.80 m;
Tonnage - 1849.16 Ton;
Decks - 4;
50 gunner.
At present time, it is a Historical Vessel, dry docked at Cacilhas, adjacent to the Tagus river, open for visits, to all of those who want to experience a little of the famed Portuguese Indian Route vessels.
See for photos for instance on this link http://www.flickr.com/photos/spaudo/galleries/72157625360432217
