The Duyfken made her gala entrance into Ulladulla Harbour yesterday afternoon, (Friday November 3) in overcast conditions as over 1,500 people lined both breakwaters and the north headland, as the ship was escorted into the harbour by the Ulladulla RVCP fleet.

On shore the Murramarang People of the Yuin Nation welcomed Duyfken Master Toby Greenlees and her crew to their Country, they were presented them with a message stitch from the Noongar community of south west WA.

Also present was the Netherlands Ambassador His Excellency Mr Niek van Zutphen, Joanna Gash MP, Member for Gilmore and other dignitaries, who toured the ship upon her arrival. Both the Dutch and National anthem was sang across the waters of the harbour by the Miltones choir, with MC Matt Dell of the Milton Ulladulla Apex Club, welcoming all to Ulladulla.

The crew have settled into shore life at Ulladulla, and are now preparing the ship for tours over the coming weekend. The Duyfken is proudly showing her colours with a range of flags including the Shoalhaven City flag, which was presented to her Master by the Mayor Mr Greg Watson.

Over the weekend to coincide with the Duyfken will be the South Maritime and History Expo at the Civic Centre. The Duyfken will remain at Ulladulla harbour with school tours and general tours until Thursday November 9, when she leaves for Eden on the heritage journey of the ‘little dove’ and then on to Tasmania before arriving in Sydney for her last port visit in December 2006.