There's something terribly exciting about the image of a clipper ship in full sail. Subject of many a fine painting, the elegant curves of these swift wind-driven craft, billowing white wings flying through a stormy sky, suggest adventures on the high seas and distant lands of exotic promise.

The experience of living and working on one of these sleek, pioneering 19th century ships was doubtless far less romantic. We'll soon be able to witness the craftsmanship of their structure, and learn about the realities on board, when the Cutty Sark opens to visitors at Greenwich this spring, raised in the air and protected by a sea of glass and steel.

Last night's documentary told the true story of the world-famous ship and outlined the dedicated conservation work that has saved this national treasure for future generations.

Cutty Sark represents how Britain's wealth was built on the maritime trade, and the emotion surrounding her is extraordinary. It's driven the project from the start, five years ago, and it was great to meet some of the key players who have contributed to her survival.

Perhaps one of the most passionate is Richard Doughty, director of the Cutty Sark Trust, whose wife calls the ship "the other woman". He talks about her as a living entity.

"She's a little ship and she's been through a lot of hardship. She's been saved because a lot of people love her," he said, simply.

The Duke of Edinburgh, another staunch supporter of the project added: "This is the end of a chapter; there won't be any more of her kind."

The project almost went up in smoke when the ship caught fire, but she, and her fan club, are made of sterner stuff. Using authentic techniques – from gilding to rigging – the experts have put heart and soul into their task and showed real pride in their results.

I can't wait to see her.