June 24th 2024.
In the early 1900s, a ship was constructed in Dundee with one specific mission in mind: to transport famous explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott to the Antarctic. This ship, known as the RRS Discovery, has since traveled all over the world, completing three voyages to the Antarctic. However, after 123 long years, the RRS Discovery is now in desperate need of preservation to maintain its original structure.
As part of a major conservation effort, the ship's massive rudder, which stands at an impressive 26.2 feet tall and weighs nearly six tonnes, has been recently removed. This rudder has been placed on display at Discovery Point, alongside two small cabins known as "cuddies" that were also taken off the ship earlier this year. The rudder is expected to be separated from the ship for an entire year while it undergoes necessary repairs.
According to Dundee Heritage Trust, the temporary removal of the ship's rudder will also help to lighten its overhanging stern, which is a top priority in the restoration project. Interestingly, this isn't the first time that the rudder has been taken off the RRS Discovery. 120 years ago, it had to be replaced after sustaining damage while trying to free the ship from the icy grasp of the Antarctic.
The process of lifting the historic rudder out of the ship was quite a spectacle, as described by Ali Gellatly, Director of Ship and Facilities at Dundee Heritage Trust. He mentioned that it was a memorable moment for all present, watching the rudder being lifted in the same way that Robert Falcon Scott and his crew witnessed during the ship's trials in 1901, before their legendary Antarctic expedition.
Since the announcement of the major conservation project earlier this year, various aspects of the RRS Discovery's aged structure have been addressed. This includes repairing the aft skids, removing modern paint from the sail locker to reveal the historic wood for repair and replacement, and beginning the process of de-caulking specific areas of the deck.
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