As part of The Bugle's support for the MV SIGNA making its way to Tasmania, we’re excited to bring you a weekly series of stories about the ship and its dedicated crew.

The first series of stories will focus on the six crew members who are manning the ship as it embarks on a journey across the South Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea to reach Tasmania for the International Timber Boat Festival.

Peter “Rookie” Rook is a retiree who found himself roped into helping with the SIGNA refurbishment when a friend asked him for a little help.

What started as a couple of days ‘here and there’ soon turned into much more.

“So I started there a day or two a week, and then it just kept going and going, and they haven’t let me go since. There’s no real expertise in any one area, just a lot of sanding, painting, and doing what you can,” says Rookie.

Rookie enjoyed the camaraderie of the crew and admits he learned quite a bit along the way.

“It takes up a lot of time, and I like getting out to fish myself. I haven’t had the chance to get away for a while. But all the boys were really good, and I’m actually surprised by how much I picked up. A lot of skills and knowledge, particularly in carpentry and other areas,” he adds.

For Rookie, the turning point came when they were finally able to lower the boat back into the water. That moment marked the realisation of just how much hard work they’d all put into the project.

“Once we got it back in the water, it was a great feeling. It meant we could get it moving and into the water, and the work had started to feel a little monotonous because it was the same sort of thing every day. It’s quite enjoyable being on the boat down here,” says Rookie.

When asked if he’d consider doing something like this again, Rookie’s answer was simple: “If John gets another boat, no.”

For Rookie, the greatest reward will come when they finally sail the boat they’ve poured their hearts and souls into all the way to Tasmania. He’s excited to represent Kiama at the festival.

“We’re representing Kiama – it’s a boat from Kiama, and the whole crew is from Kiama. You need a crew to run the boat, and it makes sense that the ones who brought it back to life would be the ones sailing it,” says Rookie.

The MV SIGNA crew is still seeking fundraising support to help get their boat to Tasmania and they need the community’s help. If you’d like to pledge, please get in touch with us here or email [email protected]