Alma lunch this month

Take the “Voyage of a Lifetime” this month and help raise funds for the continued restoration of the Alma Doepel.

The team behind the restoration of the historic tall ship is holding a gala luncheon in Docklands on August 24 and invites Docklands stakeholders to come along.

The Alma Doepel “Voyage of a Lifetime” gala luncheon will celebrate 100 years since the ship arrived in Melbourne and will raise funds for her continued restoration.

Attendees at the lunch can look forward to hearing from former Australian of the Year, Monash University chancellor, businessman, sailor and philanthropist Simon McKeon, along with Channel Nine’s Peter Hitchener.

Owned by Sail & Adventure and almost 113 years old, the historic tall ship is currently under restoration in Docklands.

Having raised $1.5 million so far, a further $1.5 million is needed to get the Alma Doepel back in the water and returned to service as a youth training vessel.

Sail & Adventure spokesperson Sally Shepherdson said the lunch aimed to raise awareness of the Alma Doepel restoration project and to raise vital funds for her restoration.

“We hope to achieve these aims while bringing together businesses from Docklands to network and hear from Simon McKeon,” Ms Shepherdson said. “Simon set a world sailing speed record, is an Australian of the Year and is a business leader.”

Last year the inaugural Alma Doepel fundraising lunch raised $40,000 and this year event organisers hope to top this result, with a target of $50,000.

The “Voyage of a Lifetime” luncheon will be held at Atlantic Group on Central Pier on Wednesday, August 24 from 12pm to 2.30pm.

Ms Shepherdson said a number of auction items would be available on the day, including “money-can’t-buy” experiences such as the chance to join a pilot boat as it guides a ship through Port Phillip Heads.

“We also have a berth available on the Young Endeavour from Hobart to Melbourne, an opportunity normally only available via a national ballot,” Ms Shepherdson said.

“There’s also some great prizes available from local Docklands businesses such as the Melbourne Star.”

Tickets are available for $220 per person or $2000 for a table of 10.

Visit http://www.voyageofalifetime.com.au for more information and to book.