DUUNNN dunnn… duuuunnnn duun! That’s the sound of shark-infested waters… or maybe just your imagination - because a full-size replica of the Orca, the legendary shark-hunting boat from Jaws, has moored at Deganwy Marina on the Conwy estuary.
Jon Fieldhouse, who has lived in the Conwy area for eight months after moving from Manchester, has recreated the Orca down to the smallest details - from the yellow barrels to the cups and saucers on deck - while keeping her a fully functional vessel capable of marine research.
Jon, who built the vessel - named Orca II - over three years, said: "I saw Jaws when I was nine years old and I haven't been in the sea since. I am a huge fan.
"I believe the boat will become one of North Wales' most popular visitor attractions as it is the only full-size replica of the Orca from Jaws in the world. I am hoping it will provide a huge boost to the local economy, with hotel bookings, pubs, restaurants and other visitor attractions, as many visitors will be from all over the country and indeed from all over the world.
"It will really put Conwy back on the map.
"The response from everyone has been amazing. I've even had a couple asking if they can get married on the boat."
Jon has worked hard to source replica props from Steven Spielberg's 1975 classic film.
Jaws follows a seaside town terrorized by a massive great white shark that begins attacking swimmers. A police chief, a marine biologist, and a shark hunter team up to hunt the beast down.
Aboard the Orca, an old, rugged fishing vessel, they set out to pursue the ravenous shark.
Talking about the replica vessel he has created, Jon said: "The boat is an original 1969 woody.
"I have worked hard to keep her original character, but at the same time, I wanted to pay homage to the boat from Jaws. She is a fully working vessel, capable of performing marine research and conservation work, and will hopefully be the first boat to spot a great white shark in Welsh waters.
"They are coming," Jon teased.
"On board the boat, both inside and outside, are lots of pieces that were also seen on the boat from Jaws - from the iconic yellow barrels to the cups and saucers on the table. I sourced most stuff, with great difficulty, in the USA.
"The gas stove, clearly seen in the 'You're gonna need a bigger boat' scene, may be the actual stove from the movie."
Jon will keep the boat in the Conwy area throughout this year. It then may be moved to other locations in North Wales.
Visitors can book an hour-long tour / visit via sharkboat.co.uk. No walk-ups permitted. It is £95 per slot.
Alternatively, email sharkboatorcabookings@gmail.com
"People can have the whole boat to themselves. They can take lots of videos, photos with all the props, say all the lines, crush cans and paper cups, and compare scars," Jon said.
Bookings have already come from enthusiasts in the USA, Japan, and across Europe.
"It has gone global," Jon said.
"The world is full of Jaws fans who would give their hind teeth to go on the boat, and it’s cool that they have to come to lil’ ol’ Conwy in North Wales to do that."
Jon added: "I could have also considered a homage to the Titanic, but she would not fit in the marina, or indeed the harbour!"
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