Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory to have masts removed as £42millon repair reaches major milestone

Once complete, the vessel will stand without any of her masts for the first time since the early 1890s.

The main mast was already taken down in 2021 when the ambitious conservation programme began.

Following this latest phase, a substantial scaffolding structure will be erected around the 260-year-old ship, remaining in position until the project concludes in 2033.

Andrew Baines, Executive Director of Museum Operations for the National Museum of the Royal Navy, described the operation as a pivotal moment for the project.

He said: "This is a key moment for The Big Repair project, being the first time Victory will have been without all her masts since the early 1890s.

"Our team has planned this step in meticulous detail, but we still have to work around factors like the weather. That's why we will carry out the lifts overnight, so we can work safely and without interruption for several hours at a time."

The crane will remain on site for approximately a week to complete the delicate procedure. Mr Baines noted valuable experience gained from removing the main lower mast five years ago has informed the current approach.

He said: "The operation itself will be impressive with a 750t crane rigged on site for a week.

"We have learned a huge amount from the removal of Main Lower Mast in 2021 and once all masts are removed and safely stored, we can begin the critical work of conserving them before their eventual return to the ship in 2033."

The removal of the masts will pave the way for an entirely redesigned scaffolding structure that promises to offer visitors unprecedented access to the historic warship.

New viewing platforms at the stern will allow the public to peer directly into Victory's internal workings, revealing sections of the vessel that have remained concealed for generations.

Mr Baines explained: "This is a bold new stage of the project, and 2026 is set to be the most exciting year yet. For the first time, visitors will have an uninterrupted view into the inner workings of the ship and the hugely impressive engineering and skilled work that goes into that.

"We're going to reveal parts of Victory that were last seen by the 18th century shipwrights who built her. It feels like we're shaking hands with that team from across the centuries."

Additional museum displays will be installed to help visitors comprehend the ship's construction, while demonstrations of traditional shipbuilding techniques and caulking workshops will also be available.

Throughout 2025, the conservation team concentrated on addressing significant decay within the ship's timber framework on the starboard side.

A notable achievement came in August when shipwrights fitted the 100th futtock — the curved wooden components that form Victory's structural ribs.

Work continues on installing the remaining futtocks to complete repairs on that side of the vessel, with hull replanking set to commence in early 2026 to restore the ship's outer surface.

Stuart Sheldon, Lead Rigger at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, acknowledged the weight of responsibility involved in the mast removal.

Mr Sheldon said: "HMS Victory matters to people in a way few objects do. That brings real pressure, and it should.

"This lift is complex and it needs absolute precision. Putting the plan into action on the night will be a career highlight for the whole team."

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will remain open throughout the works.

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