A solid timber 33 ft ketch, Grace was originally built back in 1928 by a Sydney based family, the Goddard’s. Grace, as she has been named, has been restored to new glory as part of an Australian Government/not-for-profit partnership designed to provide unemployed people with practical skills, work ethics, and team-work experience.

Named after one of the builders granddaughters, Grace has been a member of the Goddard family for many years and is the focal point of many stories. It is these stories that inspired staff of Choice to carry out this difficult yet rewarding challenge of rescuing and restoring this historic vessel.

The Australian Government co-funded boat building and restoration projects began in May 2007, after Grace was donated to Choice by the owner of over 20 years, Mr Robbie Burns. The 81 year old ketch, which has chartered the Myall Lakes just North of Newcastle and was one of the first three yachts to be in the Port Stephens Yacht club has been restored under the guidance of Choice participants who are undertaking the re-skilling initiative developed to assist them in their search for employment and further training.

The restoration has taken placed at the Broadmeadow PCYC in Newcastle, NSW. The restoration project has additionally been beneficial for the community by increase the community profile of the PCYC. Many donations were received from the local business sector in support of the project for example materials and tool hire.

Upon the sale of Grace, any after cost surpluses will be used to help Choice continue their commitment of community support and development. Choice provides an opportunity for the transition to manifest within participants by providing them support and guidance. The boat project has not only restored a rundown timber ketch to a well-treated new life but has more importantly increased the quality of life for many of the approximately 130 unemployed people who worked on the restoration.