Grace is a solid timber 33 foot ketch 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, a work ethic, team work and develop a sense of ownership in what they are achieving.
Named after one of the builder's granddaughters, Grace has been a member of the Goddard family for many years and the focal point of many stories. It is these stories that have inspired staff of Choice to carry out this difficult yet rewarding challenge of rescuing and restoring Grace.
The Australian Government co-funded this boat building and restoration project 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 guidance by Choice participants who are undertaking the re-skilling initiative developed to assist them in their search for employment and further training.
The projects that have been funded are designed to assist participants gain a wide range of valuable trade skills from woodworking, basic construction techniques to geometrical construction techniques. All of the learned skills are beneficial and will support them when returning to the work force.
The majority of the restoration of Grace took place at the Broadmeadow PCYC in Newcastle, NSW and at various locations in Newcastle as the need and demand rose to complete the works.
