This isn't a paddleboat, but the friendship and the achievement despite financial worres are common across all transport-preservation hobbies.
This ~1876 sailing ship was restored by Sydney Maritime Museum, over 30 years, and was sailing again from 2000-01.
See
www.australianheritagefleet.com.au.
It is based at Darling Harbour (Sydney), and makes regular public cruises in Sydney Harbour, and out through the heads to sea for a day.
It makes occasional cruises further afield. A couple of years ago, I was aboard on a half-day cruise from Geelong (Victoria).
A 90 min film has just been released (and is available on dvd), showing the history of the restoration project. It was released 3 weeks ago, with a special screening in the theatrette at National Maritime Museum (Darling Harbour).
Last night (Thurs.7.6), I was a guest at the Victorian premiere, at Sun Cinema (Yarraville). This was a very appropriate venue. It was close to Williamstown (a major part of Port of Melbourne in the sailing era). The derelict cinema was bought for use as a factory making cinema curtains by a man who got into this business by making yacht sails. Bit by bit he restored it as a cinema. The guests included not just enthusiasts and volunteers, but port officials and operators of historic and commercial vessels. I chatted with the owner of MV Victoria Star (former Sydney ferry Lady McKell).
The film is showing at the cinema 14.00 & 19.00 Fri.8 to Wed.13.6.
See
www.suntheatre.com.au.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
Main Menu
UserBox
Search
