The careful removal of the masts from HMS Victory, Lord Nelson’s flagship, has been hailed as a major success in the ongoing £42 million restoration project.

Preserving a Historic Landmark

The operation involved a 750-tonne crane to remove the mizzen mast, foremast, and bowsprit. These components are now undergoing essential conservation work. The project, which began in 2021, is scheduled for completion in 2033.

Masts Carefully Removed

The meticulous removal of the 18th-century warship’s masts was a pivotal phase in the ambitious restoration. The towering structures have been lowered and positioned at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Operation Details

The foremast was removed on Monday, followed by the mizzen mast and bowsprit over the subsequent two days. Patrizia Pierazzo, deputy project director for HMS Victory, stated, “The removal of the mizzen mast and bowsprit was a great success, and the insights gained from the foremast removal earlier in the week significantly aided the team.”

A Complex Undertaking

The main mast was previously dismantled in 2021. A comprehensive scaffolding structure will now encase the ship for the duration of the conservation work, expected to last until 2033.

Historical Significance

HMS Victory is the world’s oldest commissioned warship and holds immense historical importance as Nelson’s flagship during the Battle of Trafalgar. Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson tragically died on the ship’s quarterdeck on October 21, 1805, after being struck by a French sniper.

Originally launched in 1765, the ship was moved to a dry dock in Portsmouth, Hampshire, in 1922 after falling into disrepair. Andrew Baines, executive director of museum operations for the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN), described the milestone as “a key moment for The Big Repair project, marking the first time Victory will have been without all her masts since the early 1890s.”

Baines added, “Our team has meticulously planned this phase, but we must also contend with unpredictable factors such as the weather. To ensure safety and uninterrupted progress, we conducted the lifts overnight.” Stuart Sheldon, the lead rigger for the NMRN, shared, “HMS Victory holds a special place in the hearts of many, and that brings immense pressure. This lift is incredibly complex and demands absolute precision.”

Despite the ongoing work, HMS Victory and the Historic Dockyard site, including HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose, remain open to visitors.