Save our boat and let’s help save the planet!!

HELLO FRIENDS

We have a dream that we believe can bring a lot of joy to our community...and would love your support.

We are currently in the midst of restoring a historical boat; a classic 45' Steel Hull Buchanan Ketch from the early 70's to a commercial status, to then be able to utilise her for the community – namely for plastic clean up projects around Sydney Harbour and eventually the South Pacific which will be hosted by Pirates of Plastic, Tabularasa and other not for profit organisations. We also want to utilise her for teaching students of all ages to sail as well as be available for private charter to help with the upkeep.

Recently a small group of people have invested large sums of money and work to once-and-for-all salvage this wonderful yacht and piece of history. Zazabelle is now completely gutted, the hull and masts have been fully repaired and she is well on her way to returning to her full glory. With a brand new Diesel engine recently purchased and new rigging on the way, though funds are running low and we are now seeking assistance to help us continue this project.

Zazabelle is in a bit of a pickle. Funds are running very low at this crucial final push and time is of essence. We must get her to an insurable standard by getting her engine exchanged, ballasts installed and the masts back up. Without these 3 things she can not get insured. Without insurance she can not be slipped onto marinas for ongoing maintenance. Without maintenance she will start rotting in the water very soon. As of recently marinas do not accept a boat on their slips without insurance. Its a Catch 22 and Zazabelle is stuck in it.

We need your help to be able to get Zazabelle insured. This way we can rescue her from ending up as scrap metal and get her to a state where she can play an essential role in ocean clean up projects and bring joy to our community. With a little bit of your help we can get her sailing around the harbour again.

In gracious return we will be offering sailing trips, excursions, over night stays, sailing lessons, food and beverage to all that have helped bring her back to life with their donations.

HISTORY

The Zazabelle is a 20 tonne when fully laden, a 45' steel hull Ketch designed by world renowned naval architect Alan Buchanan (1922-2015) and built and launched in 1972 under its former name Macrophage IV. Alan Buchanan's designs are prized and currently many of his works reside at the National Maritime Museum in Cornwall. Zazabelle's very rare hull shape is praised by yacht designers and yacht appassionatos alike. She was the winner of the Sydney to Caledonia race in the late 70's. She then sailed to the Caribbean and remained there for approximately 5 years and returned to Sydney where a family lived aboard and let it deteriorate to the point it was ready to sink until in 1997 Captain Antonio Manco took it on as his own love project. Against all odds he has single-handedly maintained her and prevented her from ending up as scrap metal year after year. By no means a project one man can do on his own. With his years of work he has still yet to take her out into the ocean and has not been able to get her sailing again. Now is her chance.

WORK IN PROGRESS

This sail vessel has been gutted for full restoration with the hull 95% complete. Decks 95% complete in need of some minor welding and painting and then it will be ready for fit out. The masts have been fully repaired and repainted. All the rust and electrolysis damage has been mitigated. All the holes have been patched with steel plates. The hull has been completely painted inside and out. . We have purchased a brand new Diesel engine, fuel tanks, and full rigging ordered approximate cost of $65,000. There are many more original bits and pieces in dry storage already restored to the original condition. Loads of money and hours has already been donated to this project and the hardest work of cleaning, patching and prepping it has been done. She is a beautiful vessel and will be very well loved by many sailors .

THE BOTTOM LINE....

Funds are running low at this crucial final push and time is of essence. We must get her up to basic commercial standards by getting the new engine and ballasts installed and the masts back up and all her fittings cleaned, polished and mounted back on the boat. Currently the race is against the clock as steel boats must be slipped and maintained every 9-12 months for cost effective results. If they are left for longer than the recommended periods then electrolysis and sea life will corrode the boat and start to deteriorate her rapidly, and with it all the hard work and money that has already gone into repairing it from this damage will be lost. This humble request for funding is for the final push to get her over the line. Once we pass this threshold and we will be in clear waters, then we will have time to add the cabin fit-out, detailing, a new wooden deck and navigation gear. This along with all the bells and whistles can be done over time and as our own personal funds allow without having to race against electrolysis and corrosion as we are now experiencing. With your help we will be able to get her to the point where she can easily be excepted for sliping by marina's for regular maintenance and loved again.

How we found her (1997).....

Past works......

Recent works (2021).....

NOW (2021).....