Marco Polo replica still under wraps at Port Saint John

Areplica of New Brunswick's most famous ship has been moved to a more prominent location on port property in west Saint John, however, the Marco Polo II still must stay under wraps until a permanent home is found.

Barry Ogden, the man behind the replica project, says a tarp coversthe 28-metre-long wooden model ship to protect it from the elements. It's also encasedin shrink wrap.

"We left the tarp on it [because] we want to make our ship come in, but we want people to help us unwrap it," he said.

The Marco Polo replica now sits on display just behind the gate of Port Saint John's property off King Street West.

It's a more visible spot than its previous home. The wooden ship had been tucked out of view between storage containers by a scrap metal yard.

"It's just super. Everyone in the city can now see it," Ogden said.

Ogden is still waiting for word on a final resting place for the Marco Polo II.

It took him nearly 30years and $50,000 to pay homage to the iconic ship.He says he would like to see the replica end up in a high profile area along the city's waterfront.

"It's the creation of pride," Ogden said on his motivation behind the project.

"That's what we need to do in Saint John. We need to clean the city up, we need to create a lot of pride and confidence.

"That will help us move forward to create jobs and opportunities to bring young people home."

The Marco Polo was launched April 17, 1851, at Marsh Creek in Saint John.

The ship got stuck in a mudflat and tipped on its side when it was launched, warping the keel. Some believe this is why it earned its reputation as the world's fastest ocean sailing vessel.

It was the first ship to travel between England and Australia and back in less than six months.