Alma Doepel is preparing to voyage from Melbourne to Hobart for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in February 2027.
This will be a major milestone in the ship’s return to service and one of her most significant voyages since restoration began. It will also require a substantial team of crew and volunteers to prepare the vessel, support the voyage and represent Alma Doepel during the festival.
There are two main ways to become involved:
Sailing crew
Sailing crew will be involved in the operation of Alma Doepel during the voyage to Hobart and the return voyage to Melbourne.
Crew positions will require an appropriate level of maritime experience, training, availability and medical fitness. Some applicants may need to participate in familiarisation activities, training days and sea trials before final crew selections are made.
If you are interested in joining the sailing crew for Hobart, please complete the Crew Expression of Interest Form first.
If you have been invited to proceed with a formal crew application, please use the following form.
Existing Alma Doepel crew members can update their qualifications, experience, availability and contact information using the following form.
Hobart project volunteers
The Hobart voyage will require much more than the sailing crew aboard the ship.
Volunteers will be needed to assist with voyage preparation, logistics, provisioning, catering, merchandise, fundraising, administration, communications, events and festival activities. There may also be opportunities to assist the project in Melbourne, during the festival in Hobart or at key stages along the voyage.
These roles are suitable for people who want to support the voyage without serving as operational sailing crew.
If you would like to help with the Hobart project, please begin by completing the Volunteer Expression of Interest Form.
If you have been invited to proceed with a formal volunteer application, please use the following form.
Other volunteering opportunities
Volunteering with Alma Doepel extends beyond the Hobart voyage. We regularly need assistance in areas including:
• Ship restoration and maintenance
• Electrical, mechanical and marine systems
• Painting, timberwork and general trades
• Rigging, sails and deck equipment
• Administration and project coordination
• Fundraising and sponsorship
• Events and visitor engagement
• Catering, hospitality and provisioning
• Merchandise and souvenir sales
• Marketing, photography and communications
• Youth programs and voyage support
The time commitment varies between roles. Some volunteers contribute regularly, while others assist with a particular task, event or area of professional expertise.
What we expect from volunteers
Alma Doepel is an operating ship and an active project environment. All volunteers are expected to:
• Work cooperatively and respectfully with others
• Follow safety procedures and directions
• Undertake any required induction or training
• Be honest about their experience, qualifications and capabilities
• Advise the project if their circumstances or availability change
• Support the values and purpose of Alma Doepel and Sail & Adventure Ltd
Some roles may require additional checks, licences, qualifications or evidence of medical fitness.
Become part of the next chapter
Alma Doepel’s restoration and return to sailing have only been possible because people have been willing to step forward and contribute.
Whether you bring maritime experience, trade skills, professional expertise or simply the willingness to help, there may be a place for you in the Alma Doepel community.
Join us as we prepare Alma Doepel for Hobart and the next chapter of her working life.
