The Sail

A three-part exploration of the history and tradition contained in the fore-topsail of HMS Victory, a sail which last saw active service during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

Making The Sail

20000303

20010108

The construction of the sail began in the last days of the 18th century in the flax fields of Scotland and ended in the sail lofts of Chatham in 1801. Narrated by Sharon Manitta, Peter Goodwin, Alastair Durie, Linda Colley and Roy Porter

Working The Sail

20000310

20010115

The fore-topsail, one of the largest and most important sails on board, must always be kept working. But at the end of the battle there were only two sails left aloft. Narrated by Brian Gear.

03 LAST

Conserving The Sail

20000317

20010122

The story of how to conserve a cloth which is 6,000 yards square and 200 years old. The team must conquer the damp and learn how best to display the sail. With Brian Gear, Sharon Manitta and Peter Goodwin.

Episodes

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
01	Making The Sail	20000303	20010108	The construction of the sail began in the last days of the 18th century in the flax fields of Scotland and ended in the sail lofts of Chatham in 1801. Narrated by Sharon Manitta, Peter Goodwin, Alastair Durie, Linda Colley and Roy Porter
02	Working The Sail	20000310	20010115	The fore-topsail, one of the largest and most important sails on board, must always be kept working. But at the end of the battle there were only two sails left aloft. Narrated by Brian Gear.
03 LAST	Conserving The Sail	20000317	20010122	The story of how to conserve a cloth which is 6,000 yards square and 200 years old. The team must conquer the damp and learn how best to display the sail. With Brian Gear, Sharon Manitta and Peter Goodwin.