*updated 6/27/11
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Obviously, there are no photos of the Mayflower available as photography was still two centuries away. There aren’t any drawings or plans for the ship either, so modern depictions are educated guesses. I’ve done this ice sculpture in the past, but similarly, I can’t find any drawings or photos of what I did before, so this is a new ice sculpture design, based somewhat on what I vaguely remember.

A ship’s masts and sails are tough to carve and some compromises have to be made for structural stability and durability. Make the sails as thin as you dare, but remember that you’re really trying to create a fantastic visual and this means getting the silhouette right. Find out where the sculpture will primarily be seen from and then sculpt and position it accordingly.

This design requires a block and a half. A full block is used for the ship and the water, while a half block slab will be enough for the sails. I’d likely attach the front and back sail assemblies during carving, while I’d wait to attach the two large masts at set up.

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Tags: Thanksgiving, nautical