He bought an interest in S. E. Saunders, flying boat manufacturers based at Cowes, Isle of Wight, southern England; the company was renamed Saunders-Roe.

[1] While primarily intended for landing and taking off from the water, the Cutty Sark could also make occasional use of land-based facilities, for which purpose the manufacturer could supply an amphibian gear that would attach to various fixing points that were present upon on the structure.

[1] Typically, it would be powered by a pair of engines mounted in a tractor configuration within separate nacelles positioned above the wing; this location was readily accessibility while afloat.

Seeking to avoid excessive inefficiency and ensure a sufficient safety margin in the event of a forced landing, it was specified that the flying boat’s loading ought not to exceed 106 lb.

[1] The engines could be started from the pilot’s seated position on the flight deck by means of a compressed air-based ignition system, which comprised a compact engine-drive compressor, a reservoir, fuel vaporizers, distributors and remote controls.

[2] The lubrication system was entirely contained within the engine, the sump had a capacity of two gallons while a gauge on the side of the crank case displayed the quantity of oil present.

[4] Both the elevator and rudder had balanced flight control surfaces, the former was actuated via a torque shaft that ran through the fin while the latter via cables routed directly into the hull.

Adjustment of stabilizer’s rate of incidence was achieved via a screw jack that was in turn actuated by cables from a hand wheel operated by the pilot.

[7] A triangular roof panel above the dashboard gave sufficient space for the pilot to stand up through the opening for the purpose of picking up mooring while remaining at their station to operate the twin throttles and engine switches to manoeuvre the flying boat into position.

[8] To assist manoeuvring on the water, the Cutty Sark incorporated a flap drogue, which consisted of two spring-loaded plates that were hinged on the sides of the hull near to the step and were actuated by the pilot.