Project PenguinAria : "Saving The Sealion " .The historic and much loved Wellington Arts and Cultural Ship needs you!

By Selwyn Findley

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This campaign failed to reach its target by 22/05/2021 at 8:00 PM (NZST) and is now closed.

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Project PenguinAria : "Saving The Sealion " .The Historic And Much Loved Wellington Arts And Cultural Ship Needs You!

Project 2021-04-02 14:22:01 +1300

For thirty years, the M.V.Sealion has been berthed on the Northern Tee of Queens Wharf in central Wellington.

At the end of 2020,I bought the Sealion, with plans to refurbish it with a view to relocation to the top of the South Island.I was interested to learn that it was being currently used as a Music Venue, Art Center,gathering place,and a general haven for like-minded creative folk.I have been a Musician for for over 50 years ( and still learning) so I was intrigued by the concept.After meeting those on-board,I was pleased to be able to tell them that I was more than happy for them to remain on board while I carried out the restoration.

 

Residents of the boat Simon Van Der Zeyden, left, and Dylan Pyle. Source: SAMUEL RILLSTONE/RNZ

I have seen a few bands performing on board while I have been visiting,and also played on the Aft Stage during the recent Sealion Serenade concert series. I am a Pensioner,and as such being of limited means,but I was confident that given time,my Budget would allow a gradual work progress to take place.The most pressing item was,and is,the repair of a few leaks,none of them life-threatening! The engine can be worked on by myself during the time when Divers were working on the hull.I felt this was ideal,as it gave the Arts Collective members time to plan more events during the refurbishment process. BUT: Recently events have forced me into forming in new plan.There is to be a major change in Wharf management in April this year, which could mean the Boat being moved to a new Wharf. This is slated to be in an industrial area of the Wellington Harbour.New rules include no public access,no living aboard, (except a caretaker ),plus other restrictions which would totally change the Sealions present usage for the worse. Safety appears to be the common thread with the justification of this proposed move.The Boat is perfectly safe,well supplied with bilge pumps and flood alarms,plus fire extinguishers,etc.The asthetics could use some freshening up,however,the timbers around the walkways could uses some replacement and painting.People are very quick to judge both objects and humans by how they look. I am told that,after three months,if the Ship is safe and presentable it MAY be able to return to Queens Wharf.This is what we all need to happen,and this is why I,and those on board ,are reaching out through Pledge Me to all who have signed the on-line petition (please see www.sealion.co.nz ) ,all those who have been on board,taken photos,stopped for a chat,of even just like the idea of something unusual which is placed in the middle of a busy city,thus standing out as an oasis of individuality in an otherwise fairly grey world. Donations will enable the work to be done faster,better,and to a more extensive level.That is why we need your help. If you like the concept of what I have outlined,please donate......Any questions,sponsor suggestions of general support,please feel free to contact me. Thanks for your time.

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Followers of Project PenguinAria : "Saving The Sealion " .The historic and much loved Wellington Arts and Cultural Ship needs you!

Project PenguinAria : "Saving The Sealion " .The Historic And Much Loved Wellington Arts And Cultural Ship Needs You!

Project 2021-04-02 14:22:01 +1300

For thirty years, the M.V.Sealion has been berthed on the Northern Tee of Queens Wharf in central Wellington.

At the end of 2020,I bought the Sealion, with plans to refurbish it with a view to relocation to the top of the South Island.I was interested to learn that it was being currently used as a Music Venue, Art Center,gathering place,and a general haven for like-minded creative folk.I have been a Musician for for over 50 years ( and still learning) so I was intrigued by the concept.After meeting those on-board,I was pleased to be able to tell them that I was more than happy for them to remain on board while I carried out the restoration.

 

Residents of the boat Simon Van Der Zeyden, left, and Dylan Pyle. Source: SAMUEL RILLSTONE/RNZ

I have seen a few bands performing on board while I have been visiting,and also played on the Aft Stage during the recent Sealion Serenade concert series. I am a Pensioner,and as such being of limited means,but I was confident that given time,my Budget would allow a gradual work progress to take place.The most pressing item was,and is,the repair of a few leaks,none of them life-threatening! The engine can be worked on by myself during the time when Divers were working on the hull.I felt this was ideal,as it gave the Arts Collective members time to plan more events during the refurbishment process. BUT: Recently events have forced me into forming in new plan.There is to be a major change in Wharf management in April this year, which could mean the Boat being moved to a new Wharf. This is slated to be in an industrial area of the Wellington Harbour.New rules include no public access,no living aboard, (except a caretaker ),plus other restrictions which would totally change the Sealions present usage for the worse. Safety appears to be the common thread with the justification of this proposed move.The Boat is perfectly safe,well supplied with bilge pumps and flood alarms,plus fire extinguishers,etc.The asthetics could use some freshening up,however,the timbers around the walkways could uses some replacement and painting.People are very quick to judge both objects and humans by how they look. I am told that,after three months,if the Ship is safe and presentable it MAY be able to return to Queens Wharf.This is what we all need to happen,and this is why I,and those on board ,are reaching out through Pledge Me to all who have signed the on-line petition (please see www.sealion.co.nz ) ,all those who have been on board,taken photos,stopped for a chat,of even just like the idea of something unusual which is placed in the middle of a busy city,thus standing out as an oasis of individuality in an otherwise fairly grey world. Donations will enable the work to be done faster,better,and to a more extensive level.That is why we need your help. If you like the concept of what I have outlined,please donate......Any questions,sponsor suggestions of general support,please feel free to contact me. Thanks for your time.

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Hey! Thanks for checking out this project.

We haven't made any updates yet, follow us if you want to be notified when we do.

Followers of Project PenguinAria : "Saving The Sealion " .The historic and much loved Wellington Arts and Cultural Ship needs you!

This campaign was unsuccessful and finished on 22/05/2021 at 8:00 PM.
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