Britannia Open 1 February 2012
UPDATE: TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 1pm
UPDATE: FRIDAY 6 JANUARY 5.15pm
Press Statement
The Royal Yacht Britannia arrived safely in dry dock at Leith at 3.25pm this afternoon, thanks to the combined efforts of Britannia’s experienced maintenance team and the help of Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service. This was later than expected but we are delighted the ship is now secure in dry dock and the repainting can begin.
The ship will re-open to visitors on 1 February 2012. An exciting year is ahead with The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
UPDATE: FRIDAY 6 JANUARY 12.45pm
Press Statement from Bob Downie, Chief Executive
When we were removing the final mooring ropes this morning the ship moved 4 degrees to starboard. This meant that new access water tight doors to our pontoons were below the water level. There has been a leak in the seals in those doors which was accentuating the list. Because we have had limited shore power, we asked the fire brigade to provide us with some assistance in correcting the ship’s ballast.
This has caused a delay in the process. Britannia has been secure at all times and we hope to continue the move to dry dock later today or tomorrow.
Britannia re-opens to the public on Wednesday 1 February 2012! The Royal Yacht Britannia will be closed to the public from 1 - 31 January 2012 to enable planned maintenance work to be carried out; this will involve the ship being moved to the neighbouring Imperial Dry Dock within the Port of Leith.
A major part of this work will be painting the area of the hull which is below the waterline. This area is 16 feet, approximately 5 metres, high. Taking Britannia out of the water will allow this part of the hull to be inspected, treated and repainted. It will be the first time since the summer of 1998 that this has been done. Due to the quality of the work previously carried out, the annual underwater surveys have found that it was not necessary for the paintwork below the hull to be redone in 2008 as was originally expected. However, despite there being no evidence to indicate that this work is now required, our insurance company want their marine surveyors to inspect the hull in order that they can give us a clean bill of health, hopefully, for at least the next 20-25 years.
The slow speed of deterioration in the paint surface that is designed to protect the steel hull from corroding may also be due to the fact that Britannia sits in a predominantly fresh water port. Sitting in salt water would have broken down the paint surface and rusted the hull quicker.
Britannia’s three masts and funnel will also be treated and re-painted. Along with this other maintenance work will be carried out to areas on and off the tour route.
The cost of this essential work is entirely self-funded by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust with revenue raised through admissions, events and our gift shop.
During this period we are relocating to temporary offices and all phone lines, faxes and emails will be answered as normal.
Tel: +44 (0)131 555 8800
Email: enquiries@tryb.co.uk
