PLANS to rebuild and refit the sail-training tall ship STS Leeuwin II are reportedly one step closer, according to the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation.
The foundation said in a post on its Facebook page on 6 May that it was “delighted to confirm that progress has been made on its insurance claim, allowing us to move forward with our comprehensive 2025 rebuild and refit plans”.
The foundation, which owns and operates the 1850s-style Barquentine, confirmed a 19 May haul-out date for an out of water refit to commence, also noting that “over the past six months, significant planning and preparation have taken place behind the scenes”.
Key components of the rebuild confirmed by the foundation include;
- 3000 lineal metres of Douglas Fir timber for the yards, topmasts, booms and gaffs have ordered from British Columbia, Canada and are being loaded onto sea containers to be shipped to Fremantle
- Sewage system upgrades are being ordered
- A full set of replacement sails are currently being sewn
- Digital plans of the ship’s masts and rigging have been produced
- Assessment and Load Testing of Rigging is underway
The working shed of the foundation has relocated to Fremantle’s North Quay, and the Leeuwin Rig Shed will be the home of all rigging work for the project.
“We are currently picking over the recovered rigging – measuring, counting, and assessing what we have, and what we need to produce over the coming months,” the foundation said.
“This next chapter in Leeuwin’s journey reflects not only our commitment to maritime youth development, but also the strength of our community and partners who’ve stood by us during this time of uncertainty.
“We look forward to welcoming trainees, volunteers, and supporters back onboard very soon.”
The foundation remarked it has an “excellent” space to do all the work needed, and invites any volunteers who want to be part of the historic effort to reach out to [email protected]
“For those with a passion to build trade skills in Rigging, Carpentry or Sailmaking, please apply to our Trade Skills Volunteering Program online.”
STS Leeuwin II was damaged in an allision with a container vessel in the Port of Fremantle last year.
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