Please join us for the upcoming combined ABBA and OGA toolbox, on the 11th of November at 2pm, at the WA Maritime Museum (thanks to ABBA for inviting us!)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to win the America’s Cup? Come along to the Joint ABBA and Old Gaffer’s Association visit to the WA Maritime Museum and hear Australia II crew member John Longley AM tell us what it actually felt like. John was a grinder in the 1983 winning Americas Cup campaign but his involvement was much wider than just a crew member. He had many roles over five campaigns including Australia II’s Project Manager from 1981 to 1983.

John has kindly offered to talk to us and lead a tour around the special “Australia II: 40 Years On” exhibition at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle Harbour on Saturday 11th November from 2pm. Please assemble at the Australia II vessel in the main museum area (Do not meet in the “Australia II: 40 Years On” exhibit. John will take us there later). John’s talk will start promptly at 2 pm. The busiest time at the museum is from noon to 3 pm so please allow plenty of time to find somewhere to park, to queue up, purchase an admission ticket and make your way to Australia II. You can also purchase tickets on-line to avoid the queue.

ABBA are not part of a group booking so it is up to you to purchase a General Admission Ticket. $15 for an Adult and $10 for Seniors and other concessions. This price includes admission to the special “Australia II: 40 Years On” exhibition.

For the same cost as a single entry, you can purchase unlimited General Admission for 12 months. There are other attractive packages that you can check-out on-line or at the museum. There are also special events such as a tour of the submarine, HMAS Ovens which come at extra cost and are best booked in advance.

The Museum is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm so why not arrive early to avoid the rush and make a day of it. Have a look at all the exhibits before or after our ABBA visit. There is a café inside the museum but there is also the Gage Roads Brewery and E Shed Markets close by.

Friends and family are welcome to attend, especially prospective new members who have an interest in boats.

Just outside the entrance is the Robert Steele Marine Steam Engine Exhibition. This free exhibition may be open on Saturday morning if they have sufficient volunteers. It is too early to know if they will be open on 11th Nov. I will check closer to the date and advise by e-mail.

I hope to see you all there!

Cheers,
Michael Arthur
OGA of WA Secretary
0423308823