Launched in 1765 and still in commission as the flagship of the Royal Navy, HMS Victory is 6 months into a 12-year, £35m conservation programme which is looking to increase its shipwright team.
The focus of the project is to entirely replace the topside planking from the waterline up in European oak from sustainably managed sources. With over 800 planks, the largest being 11” (279mm) thick by 16” (406mm) wide, Victory’s topsides will also be returned to the planking style and butt plan she would have had at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Her 12” (305mm) square teak frames also have considerable areas of rot which will be repaired or replaced where necessary, as well as hanging knees with arms up to 6’ (1.8m) long and hull ceiling planks which require replacement internally.
The HMS Victory shipwright team also maintains the entire National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) fleet, including HMS Warrior, Trincomalee and Caroline.
If you are a boatbuilder or shipwright and interested in working on these iconic and unique ships, the NMRN will be posting application details and a role profile on their website www.jobs.nmrn.org.uk in April.