Kiama’s MV SIGNA isn’t the only local boat restored and selected to appear at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival this year. The other, Wayfarer II, is also a local gem, having been painstakingly restored by Kiama’s Rick Scott-Murphy.

At 79 years old, Rick has spent the last three years working tirelessly on Wayfarer II at Shellharbour Marina. In preparation for the festival, he has already sailed the boat all the way to Tasmania. The festival will be held from February 7-10, 2025, where both of Kiama's boats will be on display.

“I bought it in 2021 as a project to restore it to its original condition. Over the last few years, I've made significant progress,” Rick says. “I live in Kiama, and when the Shellharbour Marina opened, it seemed like the perfect time to restore an old timber boat. It’s been at Shell Cove for the last two years, and just recently, I completed the journey down to Tasmania in preparation for the festival.”

A seasoned sailor, Rick has always had a passion for boats and the sea. The marina’s opening made it possible for him to work on Wayfarer II regularly while maintaining easy access to the boat. 

Rick Scott-Murphy on the Wayfarer II. Source: Rick Scott-Murphy

“I’m getting older, and it’s harder to get on and off boats that aren’t on a floating marina. Having the boat secured at Shellharbour, just 10 minutes from home, made all the difference.”

Originally built in 1979 from a full New Zealand Kauri tree known for being used in construction for centuries. The Wayfarer II made its way from New Zealand to Port Cygnet in Tasmania before Rick purchased it without even seeing it in person.

“I bought the boat during Covid, so I couldn't even see it. I had a marine surveyor who did a fabulous job with the marine survey and on the strength of that I bought the boat. I've never done that before in my life, but once they opened the borders I flew down to see what depth of folly I’d caused and it turned out to be everything I had hoped for,” says Rick.

The restoration work has been extensive. While the hull was in good shape, the deck needed replacement, and Rick, with help of three skilled workers, tackled a long list of upgrades.

“I replaced the standing rigging, added a new furler for the genoa, refurbished the electrics, installed new instruments, and upgraded the dinghy, safety lines, and davits. The boat is now seaworthy and ready for adventure,” says Rick.

Rick in the drivers seat of the Wayfarer II. Source: Rick Scott-Murphy

The project has been a labor of love. Rick emphasises that while the craftsmanship of older boats is charming, it’s the sailing that truly fuels his passion.

“I feel that my spirit is connected to the ocean. I've spent so many years sailing that when I step on a boat, unfurl the sails and feel the wind take over - it powers me. You can go anywhere in the world with the power of the wind and the water. It’s the most amazing feeling. I still get the same feeling that I got as a six year-old when I first sat in a small sailing dinghy and It's just an amazing feeling,” says Rick.

Adding another layer of excitement, Rick is set to meet the original builder of Wayfarer II, Bruce Martin, in Tasmania. "I'm looking forward to showing Bruce his creation after all these years and seeing his reaction to how it’s been restored. I hope he’ll be as pleased as I am."

The inside of the Wayfarer II. Source: Rick Scott-Murphy

Rick would also like to thank Robby Baard, Nino Ferraro, and Cos Kapousis for their invaluable help during the restoration process at Shellharbour Marina. All of them were young men who responded to a Facebook post Rick made on the Community Page, offering help in exchange for sailing lessons.

The Bugle wishes both Wayfarer II and MV SIGNA the best of luck at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival. Both boats are sure to be crowd favorites, showcasing not only remarkable craftsmanship but the enduring spirit of Kiama’s boating community.