An attempt by the Scottish Maritime Museum to demolish the City of Adelaide has not proceeded because demolition does not meet the conditions for ‘dismantling’ the ship stipulated by the local planning authority. Apparently the Maritime Museum, whose funding difficulties have been much publicised, do not have the funds to dismantle the ship in large pieces as specified in the planning conditions.
Our own proposals for the ship have received interest from potential funders in the UK and Australia but with the current economic climate raising funds is undoubtedly a challenge; we are continuing our efforts. We understand that both the Sunderland group and the Adelaide group are also continuing their efforts and at least one of them is now considering lower cost solutions for the preservation of the hull, without re-rigging and recreating her interior, as we have proposed.
Meanwhile some welcome publicity for the ship could be on the way. Traditional Boats & Tall Ships magazine have contacted us with a view to running an article on the City of Adelaide and the ship’s patron, His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR Governor of South Australia, is due to visit the UK in the spring.