Plans to build a full-scale replica of Ben Boyd’s luxury schooner, Wanderer, have progressed with Bega Valley Shire Council approving a development application for a shipbuilding and community information site at Boydtown.
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First launched in 1837, the original vessel brought the controversial Scottish entrepreneur to Twofold Bay, where he purchased land and set to work building Boydtown.
During his time in Australia, he rose to become the country’s largest landholder and left behind a legacy including modern-day attractions like Boyd’s Tower and the Seahorse Inn.
Now, the Wanderer Replica Project Committee plans to bring a piece of Boyd’s history back to life in the town he planned to make Australia’s capital city.
“The DA has been passed, we’ve negotiated a lease at Boydtown and the naval architects [Peter Lowe Design] in Sydney are beavering away at the plans,” project spokesperson Clare Whiter said.
“It’s really exciting for us and we think it’s appropriate that Boyd’s ship will have that connection with Boydtown.”
The DA approval is the second major step forward for the project this year, after UK-based naval architect and technical boating writer David Marsh was commissioned to take photographs and measurements of a replica model belonging to Boyd’s descendent, Lord Simon Boyd.
The shipbuilding site, at the corner of Boydtown Park Road and the Princes Highway, will also act as a community information site where locals and visitors can learn more about the history of Boyd and the Wanderer.
The construction process is expected to take 5-10 years once it begins, and Mrs Whiter said it will provide several community benefits, even in the early stages.
“We’re hoping it will become a great tourist attraction, and another drawcard for the area,” she said.
“It’s also a great opportunity for school groups to visit and learn about part of our maritime history, and we hope to get young people involved in the project with apprenticeships as well.”
The project began with the Wanderer Replica Project Committee working under the auspice of Resilience Inc, but the committee has since applied to become an incorporated group and take control.
With the application before the Department of Fair Trading, the project’s timeline remains uncertain, but Mrs Whiter said interested members of the community can still get involved.
“There are a number of ways people can contribute, whether it’s joining the committee, purchasing a plank for $50, making a donation or in-kind donation, or offering your skills with the building,” she said.
“At the moment, we’re waiting to for the incorporation to go through and we need to clear the site at Boydtown, but then we’ll look towards a huge fundraising effort to get things going.
“We’ve already had some things donated to us, including a bellpull, and we’d like anyone who has any knowledge of the specific rope patterns or who might be able to help make different parts of the replica to get in touch.”
If you would like to become involved with the project, contact Clare on 6496 3970 or write to PO Box 243, Eden NSW, 2551.