Portsmouth Historic Dockyard begins a £42 million conservation project on HMS Victory, removing the mizzen, foremast and bowsprit while the main mast has already been removed, with work running through to 2033.

A 750-tonne crane will carry out overnight lifts over about a week to reduce disruption and enhance safety, following the earlier removal of the main mast in 2021.

Andrew Baines of the National Museum of the Royal Navy underscored this as a pivotal moment in The Big Repair and stressed planning around weather and overnight operations for safety and efficiency.

HMS Victory is the world’s oldest commissioned warship and Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, with Nelson being fatally wounded on its quarterdeck in 1805; the ship’s history includes being launched in 1765, dry-docked in the 1920s, and moved to Portsmouth in 1922.

Context emphasizes Victory’s status as the world’s oldest commissioned warship, Nelson’s flagship at Trafalgar, and the 1805 fatal shot to Nelson, alongside its long arc from 1765 launch to Portsmouth preservation.

The vessel’s narrative spans from its 1765 launch, to Chatham and then its 1922 relocation to Portsmouth for preservation after a period of decline.

Stuart Sheldon, NMRN lead rigger, notes the lifts are emotionally significant and require absolute precision, calling the operation a career highlight for the team.

The operation is framed as a historic, high-stakes lift where careful execution and precision are paramount, making it a standout moment for the crew.

Sheldon emphasizes both the emotional weight and technical challenge of the lift, underscoring that it will be a career-defining achievement for those involved.

Historical context recalls Victory’s flotation at Chatham in 1765 and its 1922 move to Portsmouth after a period of decline.

National Museum of the Royal Navy officials stress meticulous planning and weather considerations to minimize disruption while safeguarding safety during the lifts.