R.R.S. 'DISCOVERY' 155 



Reconditioning. A preliminary inspection had already shown that the vessel had 

 " hogged " to the extent of 3I in. in 130 ft., indicating that she had been badly strained, 

 and it was also found that owing to the lack of air courses to the inner timbers consider- 

 able deterioration had taken place. The extent of this deterioration could not be fully 

 determined since it involved practically the entire stripping of the vessel. It was, 

 however, evident that renovation and repair on a considerable scale would be required 

 and that new masts, spars, sails and rigging were necessary. The machinery generally 

 was in excellent repair, the main engines requiring little work to restore them to good 

 condition. The main boilers bore signs of deterioration, owing to corrosion, and the 

 lagging throughout required renewal. 



These defects in condition were fully appreciated by the Ship Committee ; but after 

 careful consideration of the alternative of building a new vessel, and with the know- 

 ledge that no other second-hand ship of such robust construction as the 'Discovery' 

 was obtainable, a recommendation was made that she should be purchased. 



After purchase, which was effected in 1923, timbers which could not be examined 

 earlier were found on disclosure also to be deteriorated, necessitating further renewals. 

 The main framing of the ship was more or less affected throughout, particularly that 

 portion which was above water. The stern was very badly deteriorated, the planking 

 mostly in bad condition, and the main keel was found to have been damaged and to 

 require renewal in part. A number of beams on both main and upper deck were found 

 to be defective and the deck planking generally required renovation. Detailed specifica- 

 tions were prepared for the complete reconditioning of the ship, providing for renewal 

 of all defective parts and including special accommodation and laboratories suitable 

 for the intended service. Competitive tenders were invited, and the work was finally 

 placed in the hands of Messrs Vosper and Co., Ltd., of Portsmouth. 



During the reconditioning of the vessel and the complete renewal of masts, spars, 

 sails and rigging, advantage was taken of previous experience to make certain alterations 

 which were expected to improve her sailing qualities. For this reason the centre of 

 effort was moved forward, by placing the fore and main masts farther forward than 

 in the original arrangement, and a slight increase was also made in sail area. To facilitate 

 the handling of sails it was decided to fit upper and lower topgallant sails (Plate VII) 

 instead of the single topgallant sail of the original rig. 



PRESENT ACCOMMODATION AND MACHINERY 



The general arrangement of accommodation on the vessel after reconditioning is de- 

 scribed below and illustrated in the profile and plans shown on Plates VIII and IX. 

 The arrangements for scientific work are described separately on p. 160. 



On the Forecastle Head the deck planking was completely renewed. A capstan 

 head is placed in the centre of the deck, and at its after end two skylights are fitted 

 for light and air to the galley The usual bollards and fair-leads are provided, together 

 with special deck lights, giving light and air to the space below. A powerful searchlight 



