Alma fundraises against the clock

By Maeve Bannister

The restoration of one of Australia’s oldest tall ships, Alma Doepel, has been jeopardised after an expected donation was delayed at the last minute due to COVID-19.

In spite of stage four restrictions, shipwrights working on the Alma’s hull were on track for completion last month but their work had depended on continued funding.

The project now needs to raise $72,000 by the end of November, which would allow time for painting before the Christmas break.

The financial crises also delayed the Alma’s planned return to the water, which was scheduled for the first quarter of 2021.

Community donors have been called on to support the new “Watertight Campaign”.

Every dollar raised has been prioritised for the shipwright team to be kept on site and complete essential work on the hull to make it watertight for its return to the water.

COVID restrictions has also caused the Alma Doepel’s annual fundraiser to be moved online.

Donors are invited to two virtual wine tastings as part of the sixth annual “Voyage of a Lifetime”, hosted by MP Cellar House on October 14 and October 22 at 7.30pm.

Wines from the Mornington Peninsula will be delivered to attendees who will be taken through the virtual wine tasting by experts, all from the comfort of home.

Tickets are $150 per person which includes delivery and a $100 tax-deductible donation.

Once the hull work is complete, attention will again turn to other projects the Alma still needs to sail, including the propellers, and bow thruster tunnel •

For more information: almadoepel.com.au