The Historic Tall Ship ‘Alma Doepel’ is owned by Sail and Adventure Ltd (T/A Waypoint Foundation), a Registered Charity and Not for Profit organisation dedicated to the advancement of youth through Sail Training. The organisation is currently focussed on the restoration of the historic Tall Ship ‘ Alma Doepel’ in order to return her to working with Youth.
Alma Doepel was built in 1903 in Bellingen, NSW, by Frederik Doepel, and named after his youngest daughter Alma. She sailed mainly around the coast of Australia, carrying goods such as timber, wheat and jam. She was also used in World War II as a supply vessel in Papua New Guinea, before returning to commercial service around Tasmania in 1946. From 1961 to 1975 she was stripped of her rigging and used to carry limestone, before being sold, for the scrap value of her engines, to the Melbourne company Sail & Adventure in 1976. Alma Doepel on custom-made barge undergoing hull work as part of complete restoration.
From 1976 to 1987, Alma Doepel was comprehensively restored and returned to full sail in magnificent style to lead the Parade of Sail in Sydney Harbour in January 1988. She was then used as a sail training ship, based in Melbourne, until 1999 when the need for work on the hull and lack of funds put a stop to this activity. In April 2001, Alma Doepel was taken to Port Macquarie where she was berthed at Lady Nelson Wharf and open to the public as a static exhibit. In January 2009 the Alma Doepel returned to Melbourne. She is berthed at No 2 Victoria Dock (Melbourne) undergoing an extensive refit to return her to survey so she can recommence sail training.
Click here to learn more about the Waypoint Foundation
As part of Sail and Adventure, the Alma Doepel Supporters Club run fundraising activities and events that help support the restoration and future work of the Alma Doepel.
OUR BOARD
Matt McDonald GAICD – Chair
Matt McDonald went to sea on the Alma Doepel at 14 years old and this experience sparked a passion for the sea and started a career in the youth development / maritime industry. Matt is a qualified Marine Biologist, Educator, Square rig ships Master and holds and MBA. Matt is currently CEO of Searoad Ferries.
Dr Peter Harris OAM – Restoration Director
Dr Peter Harris has been involved with the Alma Doepel for over 50 years. Peter had a long successful career in Medical research at the University of Melbourne. Peter has been a full-time volunteer managing the restoration of the Alma Doepel since 2007. In 2022 Peter received an Order of Australia medal for his work on the restoration of the Alma Doepel.
Robert Vandestadt – Honorary Treasurer
Robert is a qualified CPA and has been involved in the Alma Doepel for over 40 years
Captain John Carroll – Director
John Carrol is a retired Port Phillip Sea Pilot and Master Mariner. John had a career at sea around the world including on large sailing ships and in port logistics and management. John was the Captain of the Alma Doepel throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s.
Sally Shepherdson – Director
Sally is a senior executive in the banking and consulting sector. Sally currently works in enviornmental and carbon consulting. Sally is a passionate sailor
Doug Shields – Director
Doug Shields is an Architect, commercial project manager and classic yacht enthusiast. Doug has experience in restoring large classic yachts.
Peter Van Duyn – Director
Peter is a qualified Master Mariner and logistics expert with experience sailing square rig ships around Cape Horn.
Geoff Musgrove – Director
Geoff is a commercial lawyer with over 40 years experience. He recently retired as a partner of Maddocks Lawyers, after 31 years with the firm.
Alan Edenborough – Special advisor to the Board
Alan is a maritime heritage consultant and has worked actively across the world in heritage restorations, including the restoration of the 1874 James Craig. Alan is the former Chair of Sail & Adventure and now remains as an advisor on heritage and museum matters.