Paul van Gysen is keeping himself busy with the massive task of refurbishing Lüderitz’ very own celebrity, the Nautilus II. Built in 1954 the Nautilus II is an item of Lüderitz history. Lüderitz resident Mr Langmaak built the vessel for the department of sea fisheries and the boat was once prized as the fastest in the fleet. The Nautilus Ii, which is 20 meters long and has a width of 4.8 meters, is said to be an "icon of Luderitz" and is featured in numerous paintings, ship logs and novels. It is also mentioned in Fergus Molloy’s book "The Diamond Gathers", described as a "good" boat, however if there is bad weather, "it rocks and rolls like Hendrix on speed".

The vessel was well looked after, especially by the German engineer Ede Schwindt who on his gravestone evan has the inscription "engineer of the Nautilus II". However as time went on, the boat was no longer the fastest and most cared for of the Sea Fisheries fleet and it became "essentially abandoned".

The Nautilus was sold to Paul in 1989 after having a large hole cut into her and was on the "point of sinking". Paul bought the boat because he "felt sorry for it" and also due to its hull shape. Although built with an engine, the German manufacturers at the time still built their boats on plans from sailing vessels. The hull is therefore "ideal for sailing" and Paul took upon the challenge of using designs from the mid 19th century of a Schooner to convert the boat to a sailing vessel.

Along with help from Andy Griffins Paul has already done much of the work for the boat including the completion of the two masts and boom. The masts amd boom were actually created from wood used off boats shipwrecked around Luderitz. The largest mast was created from a mast, which was washed up ashore from a shipwreck of a vessel estimated to be 150 years old. Paul could tell the age of the mast by its workmanship and that it was likely to come from North-eastern America.

With the masts and boom completed Paul and Andy have completed much of the Nautilus II refurbishment. Although Paul does not know when the vessel will be completed, it is hoped to not be too long away.