Visit to see restoration of the Alma Doepel
04 Jun 2016
On an extremely hot Friday, some 20 members of the Probus Club of Donvale Hill Incorporated made a visit to see and hear about the restoration of the ALMA DOEPEL, a historic Schooner, at North Wharf, Docklands in Melbourne.
The guide was very informative and gave all present a very interesting talk on the history of this schooner and showed all many amazing aspects of its restoration.
Launched in 1903 at Bellinger in NSW, built by Frederick Doepel, and named after one of his three daughters ELMA, this three masted Schooner graced the waters of Eastern Australia and Tasmania between 1903 and 1975. There were also several trips made to New Zealand in 1904.
The three masted Schooner had a varied life, carrying timber along the NSW coast to Sydney, and after twelve years was bought by Henry Jones Co (IXL) and sailed along the south-east Coast of Australia until 1959, carrying farm supplies and general merchandise.
During the war years she was also put into “MILITARY SEVICE”, and was used in both Northern Australian waters and Rabaul.
Late in her commercial life, she was used as a limestone carrier, until she became little more than a floating hulk, waiting to be rescued.
One million dollars was spent restoring the vessel, and for twelve years it was used as a Youth Training vessel.
After being laid up for a further ten years, she is now undergoing a complete restoration, and when complete, will again be seen in the waters of Port Phillip Bay where she will again be used as a training vessel for Australian youth.
A vessel with an amazing history, including 160 entries and exits into Melbourne.
One crossing between Tasmania and Melbourne saw speeds of 22knots.
There is still a lot to be done but a visit well worthwhile and enjoyed by all.
It is hoped that in the future, we well again see her sails gracing the skyline of Port Phillip Bay.
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