Another consignment of Baltic oak lies on the Kailis wharf awaiting the saw blade. The piece in the forefront provides a natural curvature and can be used where a curve is required. Oak trees have been used for shipbuilding for many centuries. Among an increasing number of visitors to the Lotteries Duyfken Shed, there groups of students who can witness history in the making and get the feel for human e ndeavour and achievements some 400 years ago. Thisis the open end of the shed which houses Duyfken under construction.
Visitors can get a real close-up view as well a touch the timbers.
This is an overview from the stern end with the bow just visible in the distance. This shows the top timbers taking the framing up to the level of the rail and defining the shape of the ship. It is expected that Duyfken will be completed by the end of 1998. She will then undergo sea trials before . After doing a tour of a number of cities there, she will commence an epic re-enactment journey under sail to Australia, via Indonesia, following the original route.