Alma Doepel sets course for Hobart

The Board of Sail & Adventure Ltd has formally approved plans for the historic Alma Doepel to attend the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart in February 2027.

It will be the ship’s first major interstate voyage following her extensive restoration and her first visit to Hobart since 1976. The journey also marks 50 years since Alma Doepel departed Hobart to begin a new chapter in Victoria, working with and supporting generations of young people.

The team’s immediate priority is completing the critical work required to achieve survey, undertake sea trials and prepare the ship and crew for a safe passage between Melbourne and Hobart. The proposed voyage remains subject to survey and regulatory approval, with safety, compliance and reliability taking priority over cosmetic and nonessential work.

To help reach this significant milestone, Sail & Adventure is seeking experienced crew for the delivery and return voyages, sea trials and festival operations. Sponsors, donors, and skilled volunteers with experience in electrical work, carpentry, rigging, painting, deck work, engineering, provisioning, and voyage preparation are also encouraged to get involved.

A limited number of passenger places are expected to become available, with further information and an expression-of-interest process to be announced.

The voyage represents much more than a return to Hobart. It is an opportunity to return Alma Doepel to active service, showcase an extraordinary maritime restoration and prepare the ship to serve the next generation of young people.

Support the Alma Doepel Hobart campaign. Donations over $2 are tax-deductible.