The Duyfken Replica Foundation has secured a three year contract for the Australian replica of the historic vessel to be moored at the tourist town of Cairns, Queensland. It may enable the DRF to raise some funds for the maintenance of the ship from tourists inspecting the ship. A program of day sailing is being considered also, whilst the 16th century Dutch yacht replica can also be hired for parties, receptions etc on board.
“When on holidays in Northern Queensland there is now a great opportunity to visit the first ship”, the DRF’s Manager Mr Cian Pereira, said. “Interesting enough we sailed into Cairns in 2006 to help commemorate the 400 year anniversary of the original Duyfken coming to Australia as the first European ship to do so, hardly anybody came to welcome the ship. Steve Irwin had just died and the town was in mourning and preparing for his funeral that day”, Mr Pereira said. “The local Mayor came out quickly on his own to welcome the ship. Now we have another “three way contract” with his Council and the Queensland Government to stay here for three years. The 2006 voyage of the Duyfken visiting 23 Australian ports was also a three way contract, then between Australia on the Map 1606-2006, the Federal Department of Environment and Heritage and the DFR”.
The Duyfken Replica Foundation has secured a three year contract for the Australian replica of the historic vessel to be moored at the tourist town of Cairns, Queensland. It may enable the DRF to raise some funds for the maintenance of the ship from tourists inspecting the ship. A program of day sailing is being considered also, whilst the 16th century Dutch yacht replica can also be hired for parties, receptions etc on board.
“When on holidays in Northern Queensland there is now a great opportunity to visit the first ship”, the DRF’s Manager Mr Cian Pereira, said. “Interesting enough we sailed into Cairns in 2006 to help commemorate the 400 year anniversary of the original Duyfken coming to Australia as the first European ship to do so, hardly anybody came to welcome the ship. Steve Irwin had just died and the town was in mourning and preparing for his funeral that day”, Mr Pereira said. “The local Mayor came out quickly on his own to welcome the ship. Now we have another “three way contract” with his Council and the Queensland Government to stay here for three years. The 2006 voyage of the Duyfken visiting 23 Australian ports was also a three way contract, then between Australia on the Map 1606-2006, the Federal Department of Environment and Heritage and the DFR”.