HMS Gannet (1878), Britain’s last sloop of Queen Victoria’s Royal Navy, and on display at the Historic Dockyard Chatham, has been honoured with a new mast.
The 70ft lower foremast, comprising 200 pieces of kiln- dried Douglas Fir, was hoisted into position by crane, dropped down through the deck, and slotted into the keel. In keeping with Naval tradition, a coin was placed under the base of the mast – in this case, a special £5 coin commemorating the Queen’s Coronation proved a more than appropriate choice.
Meanwhile, the Dockyard has been crowned ‘best large tourist attraction in the South East’ at Tourism South East’s Regional Awards for Excellence. The judges said:
“Recently completed restoration works have helped see visitor numbers swell. The blend of history, education and enjoyment mean they are worthy winners.”