The team had the opportunity to film on an authentic, wooden tall ship, similar to those used by the Royal Navy in the 18th century. The ship is called Phoenix, a two-masted Brig based in Penzance.
The height from the waterline to the top of Phoenix’s mast is over 80 feet, a long way to fall. Nevertheless, we thought it would be a great idea to challenge Dan Snow to climb to the top of her rigging.
While climbing the rigging, Dan learned about the vital job done by the rigging monkeys in Nelson’s Navy. It's easy to see why it was considered one of the most demanding and dangerous roles on a ship. Next it was time for Dan to drop the sail, then stow it away again.
After being shown the ropes, quite literally, and close to finishing his crash course as a rigging monkey, there was only one thing left for Dan to do. Reach the very top of the mast.
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