Experts arrive to help preserve the Edwin Fox’s future

A group of experts visited the globally significant Edwin Fox last week to begin advisory work on the vessel’s future preservation needs.

With a skillset including marine and coastal engineering, historic ship conservation, naval architecture and maritime cultural heritage, the expert panel of Grant Pearce, Harry Stronach, Sara Gainsford and Kurt Bennett were in Picton for two days assessing the vessel and discussing preservation options and aspirations.

Manager Heritage Marlborough Liz Ward said the visit laid the groundwork for Council’s phased redevelopment plan by establishing a team of experts to guide the preservation of the vessel.

“The panel viewed the ship and dry dock and then workshopped ideas on how the Edwin Fox could be preserved for at least the next 50 years.

“They also met with members of the Edwin Fox Preservation Trust. The trust was established using a bequest from Dr John Hunt, a descendant of a doctor who sailed on the Edwin Fox, and its role is to accept donations for the preservation of the ship and provide funding where necessary.

“Several recommendations came out of the workshop and the Heritage Marlborough team will be assessing these over the coming months,” she said.

A member of the panel, Auckland-based maritime cultural heritage specialist and archaeologist Dr Kurt Bennett, said the Edwin Fox was a ship with a rich global history.

“The primary goal of this preservation project is to house and support the vessel in line with global best practice, ensuring its preservation for at least 50 years while maintaining a unique visitor experience.