Cadillac Club Run to the Alma Doepel 19th May 2013

Despite grey clouds as we set off the weather just kept getting better and turned into a great day.

My host and chauffeur for the day was Les Francis in his beautiful 38 Lasalle and his junior navigator Logan (grandson).








We headed off at about 10.00am for the http://www.cadillaclasalleclub.com.au/ run to Victoria Harbor, Docklands for a first hand look at the Alma Doepel restoration project http://www.almadoepel.com.au/

There may only be 10 years between the Red Chev and Les's 38 Lasalle, but it seemed like about 50 years as we cruised from The Basin into Melbourne in comfort.

The Alma Doepel is the last surviving Australian built three masted topsail schooner, with more than a hundred years of history behind her, and with more history yet to be written. For more details check out the website above.

This is the view from the Docklands, Victoria Harbor to be exact, which is being steadily transformed from a derelict port complex into one of Melbourne's newest suburbs, just a 15 minute walk to the CBD.

 

These are the great collection of club cars that turned up for the event, with a representation of Vintage through to Classic.

 

 

We were given a detailed tour of the restoration shed before a BBQ lunch and were amazed by the detail and workmanship that has gone into the parts restored so far. Every part was logged for storage as it was removed from the ship.

 

The following are camera shots of pictures on the Education Centre wall, and they give a snapshot of the history of this fine ship.

Thanks to all involved for a great and informative outing.