Recent work on the vessel has seen the installation of new wooden frames throughout the hull. This has been undertaken wherever possible, alongside the original timbers to retain the appearance and the atmosphere of the early workmanship.

The new frames were fitted whilst the May Queen was afloat, however fastening of the outside planking to the frames and the recaulking of the seams had to be done when she was up on the slip in August 2002.

The vessel is now considerably stronger below the waterline than she has been for some considerable time and seepage of seawater through the planking has been virtually eliminated.

The next stages will see:

• the fitting of a new steel breasthook, to strengthen the stem, with the original wooden item replaced as a cover (refer to the photo);
• replacement of staunchions to hold the original Huon Pine deck rail;
• fitting of some replacement upper planking
• fitting of deck beams and new Celery Top Pine decking.

The May Queen preservation and maintenance project has received international recognition by the World Ship Trust with the granting of the Trusts Maritime Heritage Award.

This award is presented to a select number of project groups worldwide involved with the preservation and/or restoration of maritime heritage vessels.

Update August 2001 ...