In less than 12 months since its formation, the Wanderer Replica Project committee (WRPC) has negotiated a site for the replica 1830s luxury yacht construction at Boydtown with the support of Bruce Lyon, submitted a development application for the site to Bega Valley Shire Council and has the naval architecture plans underway for submission to Roads and Maritime Services.

Sydney-based Naval Architects Peter Lowe and Will Hardcastle visited Eden over the weekend of June 20-22 to meet with WRPC members. 

Mr Lowe is a marine designer of the highest calibre and was in partnership with Ben Lexcen until his sudden death in May 1988.

A welcome dinner was held at the Great Southern Inn, followed by an intense day working together at the Twofold Bay Yacht Club.

There was also a site visit, drinks at the Seahorse Inn and dinner at the Eden Fishermen’s Recreation Club. 

On the final morning WRPC members farewelled Mr Lowe and Mr Hardcastle over breakfast at the Wharfside Café.

The committee thanked Denise and Fritz of the Heritage House Motel and Units for generously accommodating the visitors.

“The weekend was a great success - it was wonderful for everyone to meet face-to-face and to discuss steps to move the project forward,” Stephanie McDonald from Resilience (the organisation auspicing the WRP) said. 

“Peter and Will really enjoyed meeting local committee members and seeing the site. 

“We are also delighted by the generous donation from Fraser Brown of Quadratum, which meant the preliminary general arrangement design could immediately proceed.”

To get involved, “purchase a plank” or find out how you can support the project, contact Clare Whiter at the Eden Access Centre, 116 Imlay St, Eden, or call 6496 3970.