Dave Denning is building an Alan Pape 65 foot steel schooner. It was originally meant for his retirement!

He has been building it for ten years now - the first six years during weekends and holidays. A while ago he was approached by a young American who wanted to come along to help build the boat - with the eventual idea of sailing, of course. Since then, Dave has had several guys from all over the world helping for months at a time.

Dave is very appreciative of all the help he has received from the guys who have taken part in the boatbuilding process, in the hope of eventually sailing in her. But his funds are getting very low now and with only another year or so of woodwork and mast making required to complete the project, the situation is very frustrating.

So he is thinking of offering the boat in the future for adventure cruises for youngsters, whatever their background. It will take about £150,000 to complete the building of the schooner, including repaying a current loan of £60,000 and the first year's insurance and operating expenses until it's all up and running.

"When we're not having youngsters aboard", says Dave, "sponsors can have the boat for their own use as well as corporate entertainment, etc. We can also charter, of course, to help cover running costs, etc. Help make my dream come true - and maybe those of many others too!"

Contact: Dave Denning

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