Macao Maritime Museum's Sailing Junk

Port Side, Museum Esplanade in Background, China 'Cross the Bay
Note lozenges in rudder which is raised clear of the water; double-tier at stern.
The masts are clearly stayed.
The object on which the furled foresail appears to rest is actually a daggerboard.

The Macao Maritime Museum apparently runs short cruises on this sailing junk, but it wasn't in service at the time of my visit, natch. It was possible, however, to hitch a ride on their other operating artefact, which is shown on the "Lorcha" page.

Macao has always lived a sort of shadowed existence (in the English-speaking world, at least) in the lee of its larger, richer and better-known neighbor, Hong Kong. In spite of the fact that Macao is much older than Hong Kong, it is surprising how many people will draw a blank at mention of its name.

For reference, then, the former British colony of Hong Kong lies on the northern shore of the Pearl River estuary in southeastern China, at about 22 North. The former Portuguese colony of Macao is opposite, on the southern shore - about 6 hours' sail away in a vessel like this junk. Nowadays, there are no commercial sailing junks running between the two former European enclaves. Passage to Macao (or "Macau" to the locals) is now made from Hong Kong by a fast hydrofoil in about 60 sensory-deprived minutes. (But that is another story.)

I had only one chance to visit Macao while I was in Hong Kong, and as luck would have it, came down ill, so I had less time to explore the Museum and its ships than I would have liked.

( One thing I learned the hard way, and will pass on to you, is to drink sufficient amounts of water when travelling in this region: the combination of heat and humidity will dehydrate you very quickly. Dehydration can be rather hazardous, as it can lead to a form of heat stroke. )

The Sailing Junk, Bow View from Starboard
Note that the masts are stayed, as with "Tai Mei Teang" .

Bow View Straight On

Bow View from Port

Port Side Showing Name in Chinese Characters

The Daggerboard
Its position is fixed by a pin inserted through holes in the blade.
TOP

Wooden Deadeyes, Plastic Rope

Port Side, From Astern

Closer View of Stern, Showing Broad, Flat Underbody

Starboard Side, Looking Forward
(Or, " 'Looking For'ard,' as we nautical persons might say," as Stephen Maturin might say.)
A porthole (or scuttle or round window) is visible at the bottom margin of the pic. The raised deck aft doubtless contains living quarters. (See also some of the pictures on the "Lorcha" page.)