Restoring the world's oldest warship 30.11.11
4HMS Victory, the world's oldest commissioned warship, is to undergo the next phase of her 10 year restoration programme. It's the most extensive restoration of the 246-year-old warship since she was repaired after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. She was Lord Nelson's flagship. The new phase of work will begin this month. The ship's masts, rigging and bowsprit will be restored; and the decayed timber removed. Captain John Newell, Head of the HMS Victory support team at the MOD's Defence Equipment and Support organisation in Bristol, said: "This is a great opportunity to carry out the repairs needed to preserve the ship for the nation long term." Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery, Second Sea Lord and Commander in Chief of HMS Victory, said: "HMS Victory is an icon for the Royal Navy and the nation as a whole. This restoration project will enable future generations to experience for themselves a warship that has an enduring and far reaching effect on national and international history."