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.

You can pledge a donation to the Bugle through our phone number 0412415101 within our business hours which are 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. If no one is there to answer your call, leave a message and we will get back to you. 

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.

Rex Jones and John Hansen have worked together for 30 years, and after they retired they decided to restore an old boat - but surprisingly it wasn’t the SIGNA.

“Way before the SIGNA, John moved down here and we were thinking about getting a boat and we also wanted a project. So we bought a boat called the Sarah Jane from Port Stephens and it was a wreck when we got it and it took us four years to do that,” says Rex.

After spending some time on the water, fishing, Rex and John were ready for another challenge. And when the MV SIGNA became available, they couldn't resist.

“The SIGNA became available and the motors were absolutely shot. And John said to me, We can get the motors reconditioned, and I replied, If we’re not putting new motors in it, I’m not in it. So he agreed to do that, we took the boat out of the water, and I’ve been involved with the painting and design right from the word go,” says Rex.

After two years of hard work, the SIGNA was finally back in the water, and Rex says the feeling of seeing it restored was more than worth the effort.

“We lifted it out and then put it back in. The two days, separated by so much hard work and love, felt incredible. When it went back in, looking like it does now, we couldn’t believe it. It was a project we thoroughly enjoyed doing. It kept us busy, and the camaraderie with the guys was fantastic,” says Rex.

Now, the big question: would Rex take on a third project with John?

“Most likely not,” says Rex with a laugh. “But John’s already looking for another project to tackle with me, and I’m praying it’s not another boat!”

Rex and the MV SIGNA crew are still seeking fundraising support to help get their boat to Tasmania and they need the community’s help. If you’d like to pledge, call us on 0412415101 or email [email protected].