At Sea Without Tea: The Great Cutty Sark Adventure

Young James Robson, Cutty Sark's cook, is on a mission to find the nation's favorite drink, tea, as the ship has run out of it. He embarks on an adventure around the world, from London to South Africa, Australia, and Shanghai, in search of the tea. Cutty Sark, the world's sole surviving tea clipper, was built to bring tea from China back to London and became the fastest of its time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 32 pages
Publication date: 08 October 2020
Publisher: National Maritime Museum

Young James Robson, the esteemed cook of Cutty Sark, takes immense pleasure in preparing a substantial breakfast for the ship's captain every morning. However, fate intervenes on a fateful day, just as they are about to set sail from London. James discovers that the ship has run out of a vital ingredient—tea, an essential component of the captain's breakfast. Determined to fulfill his duty, James embarks on a remarkable journey across the globe, traversing from London to South Africa, Australia, and Shanghai. His mission? To discover the nation's beloved drink.

Cutty Sark, a remarkable testament to history, stands as the world's sole surviving tea clipper. Once a vessel dedicated to transporting tea from China to London, it has now transformed into an award-winning visitor attraction in Greenwich, London. The ship's construction was driven by a singular purpose: to expedite the delivery of tea from China to London. It achieved unprecedented speed, completing the journey from Australia to London in just 73 days.

James's quest takes him through diverse landscapes and cultures, as he encounters various people and experiences along the way. He learns about the different tea-growing regions, the intricate processes involved in tea production, and the cultural significance of tea in different parts of the world. Through his adventures, James gains a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and dedication that go into creating the perfect cup of tea.

Finally, after months of searching, James arrives in Shanghai, the heart of tea production in China. He visits tea gardens, factories, and auctions, where he witnesses the skilled artisans who work tirelessly to produce the finest tea leaves. James samples a wide range of teas, from delicate green teas to robust black teas, and gains a profound understanding of the flavors and aromas that make each tea unique.

With his newfound knowledge and expertise, James returns to Cutty Sark, ready to recreate the captain's breakfast with the finest tea available. He prepares a meticulously curated menu, incorporating the flavors and aromas he discovered during his journey. The captain's breakfast is a culinary masterpiece, a testament to James's dedication and passion.

As Cutty Sark sets sail once again, carrying passengers on a journey of discovery, James Robson's tale serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The ship, with its rich history and connection to tea, continues to captivate visitors from around the world, offering a glimpse into the past and a taste of the present.

In conclusion, James Robson's journey to find the nation's favorite drink takes him on a remarkable adventure across the globe. His quest to procure tea for Cutty Sark, the world's sole surviving tea clipper, showcases his dedication and passion for culinary excellence. Through his travels, James gains a deep appreciation for the art of tea production and the cultural significance it holds in different parts of the world. His culinary masterpiece at the captain's breakfast on Cutty Sark serves as a testament to his skills and dedication. As Cutty Sark continues to sail, carrying passengers on a journey of discovery, James's tale reminds us of the power of perseverance and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

Weight: 208g
Dimension: 216 x 270 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781906367657