Enterprize to call Docklands home

By Yasemin Pelevan

Docklands will be the new home for the tall ship Enterprize, which is a replica of the 19th century ship that brought the first European settlers to Melbourne in 1835.

Enterprize is managed by a non-profit trust especially set up for Victorians. The chairman of the Enterprize Trust, Andrew Plympton, said the trust and the Enterprize volunteers, who operated the boat, looked forward to the new season and a new home at Docklands.

“We are grateful for the assistance from Tall Ships Victoria in assisting us with the move to Docklands. We will be joining a vibrant growing community and an active marine and boating hub in the City of Melbourne’s fastest growing precinct, Docklands,” Mr Plympton said.

The Enterprize started its 2011-2012 season with a sailing exhibition in Docklands as part of Melbourne Day celebrations. Starting this month, Docklanders and visitors can enjoy twilight and weekend sails on the Enterprize. The first sail from Docklands will be a twilight sail departing at 6pm on Friday, October 14.

“The trustees’ decision to relocate to Docklands will bring Enterprize closer to the city she represents and make this unique sailing experience more accessible to more Melburnians and visitors,” Mr Plympton said.

Following its launch in 1997, Enterprize has been based in Williamstown. Mr Plympton said the time in Williamston was good and trips would continue to depart from there.

“We will continue to have sails departing from Gem Pier, Williamstown and other sails in Port Phillip each month,” Mr Plympton said.

The original Enterprize was a coastal trader purchased by John Pascoe Faulkner in 1835 to help him find suitable settlement in the Port Phillip district.

In August that year, a party of 10 people sailed the Enterprize from George Town in Tasmania to the banks of the Yarra River near what is now Melbourne’s William St, and settled.

Enterprize is a traditionally-rigged, two-masted wooden topsail schooner.

The current Enterprize was carefully constructed to represent the original as much as possible. Craftsman and volunteers built the vessel in Williamstown over a six-year period.

The hull, decks and spars of the boat are all made from Australian sourced timbers – most of it recycled timber.

The natural fibre sails and ropes are a pure representation of 19th century sailing ships.

Enterprize has on-water sailing programs available to people of all ages. There are general public sails and private sails can be organised for schools, clubs and businesses.

The sails range from short one-hour sails to half-day and overnight trips to six-day voyages. The vessel is available for evening and day-time charter.

As part of Victoria’s History Week, Enterprize will have regular sailings throughout the last week of October.

For further information and online bookings for upcoming events go to http://www.enterprize.com.au or contact the Enterprize Ship Trust office on 9621 1294.