Ahoy, mateys! A new experience launches at the Cutty Sark this spring, allowing visitors to climb the ship's masts and enjoy views from the top, before abseiling back down to street level.
It's the first time that the sailing ship's rigs have been open to visitors since it arrived in Greenwich in 1954 — until now, the main deck has been the height of a visit to the Cutty Sark.
Thankfully, at the time of the 2007 Cutty Sark fire, the ship's original masts had already been removed for restoration, so were protected from harm — meaning that during the climb, you'll be up close to the original parts used by sailors transporting tea from China and wool from Australia to England in the 19th century.
The rig climbing experience begins with a briefing underneath the tea clipper's hull, before adventurers scramble up the ratlines (rope ladder-like structures) and shrouds, and graduate to the yardarms, and finally the top platform, where you can enjoy views over the Thames and local area.
Once you're done surveying the scene, return to earth via an abseiled descent back down to street level. Granted, it's not an experience for the faint-hearted, but whatever floats your boat.
Cutty Sark Rig Climbing Experience launches 2 April 2022. Sign up to the mailing list for more information and to be notified when tickets are available.
