Alma is ‘‘framed out’’

“Alma Doepel” restoration enthusiasts gathered to celebrate a significant milestone on May 2.

The small crowd heard some well-chosen words from those involved before witnessing shipwrights install the final piece of the 116-year-old vessel’s new frame.

Speaking at the “framing out” ceremony, Sail and Adventure restoration director Peter Harris said the final rib was the culmination of a four-year replacement program.

“Now we can start the planking and caulking stage,” he said.  “In just a year we hope to have the hull back in the water, and in just two years, the ship fitted out and re-rigged.”

The three-masted topsail schooner has been under restoration for eight years now here in Docklands at Shed 2 on North Wharf Rd.

Mr Harris dryly remarked about the time-consuming nature of such projects.

“Sometimes people ask my advice. They say, ‘Peter, I’ve got this idea about building a wooden boat’. I say: ‘Go home, have a lie down, and hope the feeling passes’. ‘If you come back in a year and the feeling is still there and you have a business plan in your hand, then let’s have a chat’.”

“Because it’s all very well to dream about maritime heritage, building ships and all of those sort of things, but if you don’t have a business plan, it isn’t going to work,” he said.