"Cutty Sark" was to be built to Lloyd's A1 classification and in addition to the regular visits from the Lloyd's surveyors, Willis had one of his experienced skippers, Captain George Moodie, superintend the construction prior to taking command of "Cutty Sark" upon completion. Captain Moodie was said to be very particular regarding the quality of the materials used in the construction and only accepted the best quality materials and workmanship which all added to the cost (this may have contributed to why the "Cutty Sark" is still in existence today).