All 8 parts, explained
1. Hammocks
Hammocks are beds made of canvas that hang from hooks in the beams. They swing gently as the ship rolls.
Fun fact A hammock moves with the ship, so a sleeping sailor would not fall out in rough seas.
2. Sea chests
Sailors kept their spare clothes and belongings in wooden sea chests, which also served as seats.
Fun fact Many sailors shared a chest, or kept their things in a canvas bag instead.
3. Mending clothes
Sailors sit on their chests to mend their clothes. Every sailor learned to sew.
Fun fact Sailors made many of their own clothes from cloth they bought on board.
4. Free time
When their work was done, sailors relaxed with music, games, stories and carving.
Fun fact Some sailors carved tiny pictures into whale teeth or bones, an art called scrimshaw.
5. Blankets
Each sailor had a blanket and a thin mattress that was rolled up inside the hammock during the day.
Fun fact Rolled-up hammocks were packed along the top deck, where they also helped keep out wind and spray.
6. Lanterns
Lanterns hang from the beams to light the deck below. Their flames burn safely behind glass or horn.
Fun fact Fire was the greatest danger on a wooden ship, so lights were carefully watched.
7. Deck beams
The thick wooden beams overhead hold up the deck above. They are so low that tall sailors had to duck.
Fun fact On the lower decks, there was often not enough room for a grown-up to stand up straight.
8. Galley
Toward the front of the ship is the galley, where the crew's food is cooked.
Fun fact The smell of the galley stove drifted across the deck at mealtimes.
