Sir, - John Gore-Grimes and Ted Crosbie (December 28th) rightly question the validity of the project to restore Asgard to sailing condition. The real concern, however, is that little is understood of what that restoration will actually entail.
My survey of Asgard found that some 90 per cent of the original vessel was intact as built in 1905. Even her deck, on which so much of the stuff of her history was played out, is original. However, there is serious degradation caused by corroding metal throughout the vessel. In order to make her safe and seaworthy an enormous amount of the structure will require replacing.
Unfortunately, few people are aware of the destruction of original material that awaits Asgard if she is restored as planned by the Asgard Restoration Project group (ARP). Asgard is unique - one of the world's most famous yachts and one of our most notable national icons. She is infused with history and with that most essential element that gives substance to history, originality. If that originality is reduced or compromised, then so is its uniqueness and historical relevance. That is exactly what will happen to Asgard if she is restored to sail.
Indeed, as the vessel is opened up for restoration, the reality of the extent of damage to her structure will, in all probability, require the removal of far more material than first proposed. The requirements of marine safety are likely to influence this process. We will then see over time the emergence of little more than a replica to replace the unique original.
The restoration process could cost up to £1 million, with additional and escalating running costs over time. Use would be restricted to a minority of people, with no possibility of carrying trainees. Would not the enthusiasm and commitment of the ARP be better and more honourably served by concentrating on improving sail-training in Ireland? The national sail-training brigantine, Asgard 2, does sterling work and has carried the country's youth and the name and spirit of Asgard around the world to our great pride for almost 20 years. With a growing population and increasing demands, a second sail-training vessel is needed. Would such not be a more deserving and rewarding project?
Asgard should be saved and protected for future generations to see - unique, original and authentic. She must be conserved to protect her historic structure, virtually all of which would be saved if treated and kept indoors (and at about one third of the cost of restoring her). She would make a magnificent exhibit with the trappings of related history around her and with real scope for interpreting that history through time. The awful truth is that, unlike a conservation process, restoration is irreversible, with integrity and originality lost forever. A conserved Asgard would retain virtually everything that now exists. She could be displayed imaginatively in her historic context and with the fullest access to the public. The alternative amounts to the physical destruction of a significant episode of our history at sea and on land. We could, of course, choose not to take it. - Yours, etc.,
John Kearon, Head of Shipkeeping, Industrial and Land Transport Conservation, National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside, Liverpool, England.