Monday 21 February 2011

Shaolin resurfaces

: Work commences on restoring the Shaolin.

The Shaolin is back and being returned to its former glory after sinking in Dickson Inlet during the high winds of Cyclone Yasi.

It was initially feared that the popular Chinese Junk would be unsalvageable after it was reported that the rudder may have got caught on mangroves causing the vessel to tip and receive damage to its hull.

The slightly muddier Shaolin was captured getting a rinse with a high pressure washer, revealing the familiar and striking black and red paint job.

Graham Jones of Tropical Journeys who own the Shaolin was unavailable for comment.

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David Stewart, 26-02-11 23:15:

So glad to hear that it is OK - we had a wonderful trip on the Shaolin to the Low Isles August 2009 and would like to go again the next time we are in your fantastic area in 18 months - to avoid the London Olympics!!!!!

Tony Wakefield, 24-02-11 16:44:

Hope Graham can get Shaolin back into service. For many visits to PD I just wondered and took photo's, then in 2008 took the plunge and had a wonderful trip to the Low Isles. Just like other's say it's a draw card to the area. If there was a collection box to help restore Shaolin I for one would contribute, Just so I can take some more pictures and another trip.

alex mateer, 24-02-11 15:28:

So happy to see her back on the fisherman's lease and not submerged in the inlet.
Shaolin is the best boat in the world - we love her!!!
Rick and Alex

Anthony Harris , 24-02-11 09:58:

Seriously, the day spent on the Shaolin with my family was one of the best days of my life...it was magic and I was sad to hear that it wasn't doing the Low Isles no more...rebuild it and they should come

Rachel Higson Smith, 22-02-11 20:51:

That is fantastic, our family had the most memorable trip to the Low Isles a couple of years ago on Shaolin,we live in Hong Kong, and there are very few authentic junks left. We will be sure to have another excursion on her the next time we are in Port Douglas

Julie Robertson, 22-02-11 20:37:

So glad that Shaolin is floating again..she really is a Port Douglas icon and i am sure most of us have had many fantastic trips to Low Isle on her over the years.

Grant Chandler, 22-02-11 18:29:

Fantastic news ,twas with great sadness to hear of the ol gal goin under but also fond memories of time aboard and adventures sailng the gal to the louisiades and back ,stormy rescues off double island parties atlow isles and trips to lizard island for halloweem parties etc debauched and lascivious romps!!!!!!!!!!!!
aaaaaaaaagggghhhhh! me ol galpal!!
xx grant

Garry , 22-02-11 16:49:

Great news, the region needs as many iconinc experiances as posible.
Vessesls like this one give our destination a good point of difference.