The Alma Doepel 

The Alma Doepel was originally built as a trading vessel at Bellingen, northern New South Wales, in 1903 by Frederick Doepel, and named after his daughter Alma.

The vessel traded between northern NSW coastal ports and Sydney for 12 years, with an occasional voyage to New Zealand. She also broke the Trans Tasman sailing record and was the last surviving sailing ship in Australian waters to carry square sails until these were removed in 1937.

In 1942 (World War II), the vessel was requisitioned by the Australian Government for service with the Army. She was de rigged and transformed into the AK 82 (armed ketch) and served in the New Guinea theatre carrying troops and supplies, eventually returning to Hobart in 1946.

Returning to Melbourne, she commenced youth training cruises, special charters and management training.

During 2002 she sailed from Melbourne to Port Macquarie where she is now based as a tourist attraction and Maritime Museum.

Further Information

• The owners of the