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ABC News
ABC News
National

Boat builder preparing to set sail four years after becoming stranded in WA town

Wolf Lantzberg is preparing to circumnavigate Australia on his ship, the Hybrid Arc. (ABC News: Kate Ferguson)

High and dry in a boat yard in Carnarvon sits what looks like a big red pirate ship.

But the skipper is no pirate, in fact he's quite the good Samaritan.

Four years ago, seasoned sailor and boat builder Wolfgang Lantzberg found himself stranded in Carnarvon when the town's harbour, known as the Fascine, became too shallow for his 22-metre boat, the Hybrid Arc.

So, the 75-year-old saw it as an opportunity to get to work rebuilding 10 14-foot windrush yachts for the Carnarvon Yacht Club.

"But Wolf has rebuilt and resurrected them and now the yacht club has them for anyone who wants to come down and sail them on a Sunday.

"They've got to know how to swim and wear a life jacket."

Mr Lantzberg is a seasoned sailor and boat builder. (ABC News: Kate Ferguson)

Mr Scott said Mr Lantzberg's generous efforts have earnt him an honorary membership of the yacht club.

"It was bad for him but good for our yacht club," Mr Scott said.

Mr Lantzberg and his boat are no strangers to public interest after the vessel was run aground on Broome's Cable Beach in 2016, when the skipper needed to stop in town for some grocery shopping.

And this week, the perfect conditions arose for the retired civil engineer to embark on his next adventure, with some elaborate help from his friends.

Elaborate, as it required some heavy machinery to move the Hybrid Arc from the boat yard and into the bay, including a 20-tonne crane and 936 Bobcat.

It may look like a pirate ship, but this ship and its captain are about to attempt a solo journey around Australia. (ABC News: Kate Ferguson)

The launch was a success.

Mr Lantzberg is now on his way into a solo circumnavigation of Australia, where he will sail east, before taking the daring route of the "roaring forties", across the bottom end of Australia, to Tasmania and then back up the east coast.

"I have the confidence in the boat, and I think I still can do it," he said.

He said sailing solo was a special feeling.

"After a few days, all problems disappear," he said.

"Nothing else matters; it is a wonderful feeling."

Onboard, Mr Lantzberg has solar power, desalination, and enough supplies to last him for six months.

"We wish him all of the best and hopefully he comes all the way back to Carnarvon," Mr Scott said.

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