Cutty Sark

The Trust was already in the middle of a major conservation project, and the fire has increased the urgency of their fundraising efforts.

£18m had been raised towards a £25m restoration project that was due to see the ship re-open to the public in November 2009. However, the blaze will have substantially increased the restoration costs.

It was because of the restoration that a large part of the ship, including the masts, had been taken apart and moved off site, and therefore escaped any damage from the fire.

Richard Doughty, chief executive of the Cutty Sark Trust said, "This is a significant blow for us, and a major set back to the people working on the project. It will take us a significant amount of effort and funding to get the work back on track."

"We are appealing for help to close the funding gap and to get us through the crisis and return the ship to its former glory."

"It has been rescued twice before, in 1922 and 1953. This will be third time lucky."

Donations can be made online:

By Telephone: 0208 858 2698

Donations can also be sent to the Cutty Sark Trust at 2 Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BG.