AS you get older, you need a bit more TLC, and the Duyfken is no different.

The 1606 replica is preparing to set sail on a voyage marking the 400th anniversary of Dirk Hartog landing at Cape Inscription—the first recorded landing of Europeans in WA.

In September the 110-tonne boat will sail down the WA coastline, stopping at several ports, before docking at Dirk Hartog Island, where it will take part in the commemorations.

But before the Duyfken heads to Bunbury on the first leg of the voyage, it needs some essential repairs and will be slipped at Northport Marine at Rous Head on February 15.

• Duyfken’s salty sea dogs: Shannan Morby, Brunhilde Prince and Robin Chester. Photo by Matthew Dwyer

Bosun Andrew Bibby is the only full-time staff member of the Duyfken and has notched up 13,000 nautical miles since hopping aboard in 2009, missing only two short-day sails.

“We need to replace some areas of the deck, scrape and oil the hull and remove the last of the hull-caulking,” he arrs.

“The deck was originally made with Portuguese pine, but we will repair it with the more durable Oregon Douglas fir.

“To seal the deck seams, we will use a 2000-year-old technique which involves rolling oakham and plugging the gaps.

“This traditional method is still the best way to keep the deck water tight and stop the large planks shifting.”

Mr Bibby says the work is not overly physical and he’s looking for eight volunteers to help patch the “Little Dove”, built in Freo in 1999. Email Gail at info@duyfken.com.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK