After a great deal of urgent negotiation and interstate communication, the Metung-built historic ketch, Metung, is ready to be restored to its prime.
Metung was re-launched at Lakes Entrance on Saturday and will be drydocked for her long-term restoration at Bury’s Slipway in Metung.
Metung4Metung committee member, Bill Newcomen, said it was just the start of the journey.
“She needs a lot of work. Over the next 12 months the plan is to restore her to her former glory. The boat has lots of potential,” he said.
“Without the help of Gippsland Ports we wouldn’t have been able to do this. They gave us a great deal. Most of the people involved in the project are all volunteers.”
Donations can be made online to help support the restoration of Metung by visiting GoFundMe and searching for Metung 4 Metung.
The Metung had been advertised on social media in a neglected state in Sydney Harbour. A small local committee was formed as a matter of urgency and they made a last minute offer for the yacht.
To their delight their bid was successful and so the process of bringing the Metung back to her home port began in earnest.
The Metung was built in Bulls shipyard in 1956 for the well-known local GP, Dr Toby Beatty.
Metung competed in many Sydney to Hobart races, sailed to England and also competed in many Australian blue water events.
The objective of the Metung4Metung committee is to restore Metung to her original condition as a tribute to local boatbuilding skills and for her to be sailed and displayed in special events such as wooden boat festivals and those promoting the Gippsland Lakes.
PICTURED: The Metung-built historic ketch, Metung, was re-launched at Lakes Entrance on Saturday and will be drydocked for her long-term restoration at Bury’s Slipway in Metung.