Progress on the ship

Progress has been slow over the last few months, mainly due to the restrictions of finance and the number of volunteers available. After the Ramsgate "expedition" it was necessary to make repairs to the main access gangway and ramp which has been achieved. This allowed visitors on board and visitor numbers have steadily improved over the weeks. Our volunteers have continued work on the steering systems. The bow system was completed some time ago now and work is concentrated on the main steering linkage which runs through the aft saloon. 

We have experienced problems with rain water ingress through the promenade deck seams as some visitors must have noticed. A new method of caulking the deck has been tried with considerable success but this requires the timber to be dry at the time of application and we will not now be able to complete the process until after the winter. A temporary sealing measure is being considered by the trustees. Scuppers have also been fitted to speed the removal of rain water.

This work has been undertaken by Site Manager Bryan Hulley and the teams of technical volunteers working on the ship. We urgently need more such volunteers as well as help in other areas such as admin and the Visitor Centre. See the announcement on our home page.