Donate to the Signa
24 November 2024, 8:55 PM
I am reaching out to ask for your consideration in supporting what can best described as the
saving of a Kiama Harbour icon, the MV SIGNA.
The MV SIGNA is a timber cruising boat, built between 1968-70, with a history of providing a
wide variety of fishermen and pleasure cruisers with a daily charter experience over a period
of almost 54 years.
In 2021 a prohibition order was placed on MV SIGNA by Maritime Services of NSW after she
deteriorated over a number of years.
She languished in Kiama Harbour until July 2022 when she was purchased by a group of 6
pensioners aged 62-84 with the aim of restoring her to her former glory.
Two and a half years and some 14,000 hours later, MV SIGNA has been returned to Kiama
Harbour and has undergone the final internal cosmetic tweaking and sea trials. She looks
amazing and is an attraction in the harbour for visitors and locals alike.
As part of the restoration program, the crew had the dream of cruising to Hobart, Tasmania
for the biannual International Timber Boat Show to be held in February, 2025. The
application was submitted early in 2024 and approval to be part of the show was received in
late September. As we now understand, this is a huge honour since only 187 boats were
selected out of a field of 400.
The restoration has been a hugely expensive exercise and financing this trip to one of the
world’s major boat shows is now in jeopardy. As a team of pensioners and retirees our
financial resources have been stretched beyond capacity.
We are seeking approximately $10,000 to achieve the goal of travelling to Hobart and
showcasing this beautiful boat and Kiama to the rest of the world. The major cost is fuel and
harbour fees along the way.
Her return to Kiama Harbour, following worldwide exposure provides tourists and locals the
opportunity to share in something quite unique.
Your consideration in assisting the MV SIGNA team and the local community would be greatly
appreciated.
Thanking you in anticipation
John Hansen
Team Leader
Email [email protected] with your pledge and you will be given payment instructions.
Or call the office of 0412 415 101
