An Update From Richard Doughty, Chief Executive, Cutty Sark Trust

On 21 May 2007 a major fire swept through Cutty Sark.  Media images suggested a unique icon of world maritime history gone forever. Amazingly, we learned very quickly that less than 2% of the fabric from her working life as a sailing ship has been lost. We are remarkably lucky – Cutty Sark is still here.

At the time of the fire, the ship’s masts, gear and deckhouses and saloon , along with half of the historic planking had been removed for conservation or storage.  Of the remaining planks only a few were badly damaged and even so we have been able to remove the charring so they can be rehung.  More importantly, we found out that the ship’s iron frame has not distorted significantly. 

Our overall project vision is not compromised.  We can still lift the ship 3m above her current position to allow visitors to walk under her uniquely shaped hull. We can pursue our active treatments for corrosion, stress and wear and tear.  We aim to reopen in early 2010 when Cutty Sark will be relaunched as a landmark visitor attraction and inspirational museum for all.

We still do not know what caused the fire. We are waiting for the police report to be issued; the ship is technically still a crime scene.

Momentum on the project has been sustained since the fire.  Now for the first time since she was built, the iron frame is fully exposed as 80% of the hull planks are now off.  A third of the ship has now been cleaned with a wet abrasive process exposing foundry marks not seen since 1869.  The bowsprit and rudder have now been removed for conservation. The poop has been raised to expose the metal work underneath.

On 25 January we received the best news of all: the Heritage Lottery Fund announced it would award our project an exceptional grant of £10m.  Carole Souter, Director of the HLF, said, “The Cutty Sark is an amazing testament to our maritime heritage and one that we felt passionately must be protected for another century’s worth of enjoyment.”

This incredible support means we have now raised £30m of the £35m needed to save the ship, made possible by the generosity of companies, trusts and thousands of individual well-wishers from around the world..  We still have £5m to raise but we now have confidence to turn our vision for Cutty Sark into a reality.  

Please join with us now on the last leg of our voyage by donating – together we can raise Cutty Sark’s masts again!

Thank you for your support