The News, Culture and Practice of Sailing woodenboats
in Australia, New Zealand & The South Pacific.

TALL SHIPS Mark Chew TALL SHIPS Mark Chew

Sailing the DUYFKEN

As you can see from Paul’s films, sailing a Tall Ship like DUYFKEN isn’t for everyone, but is your the sort of person who likes a bit of adventure, doesn’t need to wash three times a day, and understands the meaning of teamwork then get involved!

Read More
HISTORY Mark Chew HISTORY Mark Chew

The ship that founded Melbourne

After a few small adventures, the Enterprize eventually found the Yarra and, warping the ship upstream for a way, eventually moored at the same spot that Batman’s men had found. They chose this spot for the same reason as Batman’s party, for the fresh water that was available above some small falls (which have since disappeared).

Read More
TALL SHIPS Mark Chew TALL SHIPS Mark Chew

Listing to starboard

We regret to inform you that an accident has occurred during the maintenance period in Cape Town, resulting in Bark EUROPA partly falling over while attempting to be placed back into the water from the drydocks

Read More
TALL SHIPS Mark Chew TALL SHIPS Mark Chew

DUYFKEN- The Little Dove

DUYFKEN—Little Dove—was 80 feet long, shoal draft and carvel planked. She had three masts and a total of six working sails. She was fast, sturdy and had a relatively small crew of 20. Her design was a “jacht," which in 16th century Holland meant “hunter” or “pursuer."

Read More
TALL SHIPS Mark Chew TALL SHIPS Mark Chew

How Sarah built a tall ship

My connection with the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, has allowed me to meet many dedicated wooden boat aficionados, perhaps none more so than fellow board member Captain Sarah Parry, so I was delighted to hear that she was going to be on the ABC’s “Conversations with Richard Fidler.”

Read More
FLOTSAM Mark Chew FLOTSAM Mark Chew

Dead in the Water in 1866

The wind fell away, stalling the ship in irons, the limp sails useless in the dead calm. The prevailing southwest current and a long swell relentlessly drifted GENERAL GRANT shoreward, then to her doom.

Read More
RESTORATION Mark Chew RESTORATION Mark Chew

The Relaunch of the ALMA DOEPEL

Last Saturday the 118 year old ALMA DOEPEL was lifted back into the murky waters of the River Yarra after a 10 year restoration. In this film we speak with Ferdi Darley the amazing and articulate head shipwright on the project just four days before the launch.

Read More

SWS IS A SURPRISING SUCCESS STORY

BUT TO CONTINUE, WE NEED YOUR HELP.

Your donation will help us to publish your weekly source of
woodenboat inspiration and grow this unique community.