Historic boat restoration completion in sight

A BAND of local boat club members are putting the finishing touches on an old whaling vessel, which would make it one of three of its kind operating in Australian waters.

A historic Montague whaler has almost been restored to its former glory thanks to the efforts of members from the Western Beach Boat Club dating back to last year.

Boat club member Bill Ethel said the whalers once played a key role in Australia’s naval history.

“The Whalers were used in conflict and also for transferring people from the ship to the shore.

“They were certainly used at Gallipoli [during World War I].”

The whaler itself, brought to the club by members of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club Skiff Builders, was determined to be built in New Zealand in 1942 from native Kauri timber and then transported to Australia on a New Zealand warship.

Mr Ethel said once inflatable boats were introduced in the 1970s, the boat was retired from active service.

Following its retirement, Williamstown naval cadets used the vessel for training purposes before it fell into a state of disrepair.

The boat club’s members ultimately needed additional funds to complete the restoration program, despite putting hundreds of hours into the project.

The club successfully applied for a Community Grant from the City of Greater Geelong, obtaining $10,000 as a result.

There is no concrete timeline for the boat’s completion, but it will occur before the year is up, according to the club.

Once completed, the club plans to invite interested community members to learn how to row it.

“To row such a vessel involves skill and timing, while working together,” boat club member Paul Donnellan said.

“It teaches the important skill of teamwork.

“It’s a special and unique way to bring people together and share a common goal, interact, and socialise in a healthy way.”

The club encourages others to consider applying for this year’s grants program once application dates are announced in early May.