The timber boat, built in 1963 in the Brisbane River by shipwright Carl Rabb, worked as a prawn trawler in the Gulf waters for 20 years.

In 2001 she was acquired by Alan and Veronica Mahony-Hodges, of Raby Bay, who bought her with the intention of doing an eight month renovation to customise her as a

suitable vessel for extended cruising around Australia.

The renovation progressively turned into a total re-build lasting six years, with the former working boat now resembling a traditional gentleman’s cruiser.

Escorted down

Tasman Canal by a flotilla of smaller boats, the magnificently restored vessel was greeted on the shore by more than 50 friends and family, including Nessie Rabb, sister-in-law of her

original builder who had been present at her first launch over 40 years ago.

Several of the craftsmen who had worked so diligently to complete the project were invited to join the Mahony-Hodges on board as she was christened by Father Frank O’Dea of the Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

Federal Member for Bowman, Andrew Laming invited Nessie Rabb to assist him in cutting the ribbon to officially re-commission the vessel.

Her owners are now planning the voyage they have dreamed of.