But yesterday Robyn Neoh, wife of Warr-nambool Mayor Michael Neoh, was called on to do a traditional "mast stepping".

The ritual, which dates back to the ancient Romans (or possibly the Greeks or Phoenicians, depending on who you ask), involves placing a coin under the mast of a ship for good luck.

The ship in question was the Reginald M.

The boat takes pride of place next to the Rowitta in Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum's "bay".

Museum manager Peter Abbott said it was part of the tradition these days for the coin to be placed by the mayor's wife or a female mayor.

Mr Abbott said the ceremony had to be completed so new masts could be attached to the Reginald M, a small cargo vessel brought to Flagstaff Hill in 1977.

"The ship's been under restoration for about six years," he told The Standard.

"Every plank from the waterline up has been replaced."

He said he hoped the restoration would be finished in time for Christmas.

A christening ceremony, complete with a bottle of champagne smashed across the bow, will be held when the project is complete.

Those who are keen to see the masts being put in place on the Reginald M, however, will have to watch from outside Flagstaff Hill because of safety issues.

Mrs Neoh said she was delighted to be a part of the ceremony but admitted it was one of the stranger things she had to do as the wife of the mayor.