First planks for Alma Doepel

The restoration of Dockland’s Alma Doepel is moving forward, with the team now working on the “below the water” sections.

The garboard plank, that sits next to the keel and runs the length of the tall ship, has been fitted.

The plank was steamed and bent into shape, then attached to the hull. Planking will now proceed on the front half of the ship.

Spotted gum planks have been sourced from sustainable forests in New South Wales.

The bow section of decking has been raised and is being covered with plywood until repairs commence. The king plank (primary structural plank) and Samson post (a post well attached to the vessel’s structure to take heavy loads) remain in place.

The raising of the decking enables the shipwrights to examine the top of the deck beams, where it is most likely to have soft timber from leaking water.

Take a stroll up the North Wharf and check out the project yourself!