Full Breakdown
Orca II: A Unique Jaws Attraction Opens in North Wales
4/5/2026, 12:20:30 PM
Introduction to the Attraction
A full-scale replica of the Orca, the iconic shark-hunting boat from Steven Spielberg's 1975 film *Jaws*, is set to open in Deganwy Marina, North Wales. Built by Jon Fieldhouse, the Orca II is the only replica of its kind in the world and aims to attract tourists from around the globe, including enthusiasts from America and Japan. Fieldhouse, who has lived in Conwy for six months, expressed his hope that the attraction will enhance local tourism and potentially draw Hollywood stars.
The Creation Process
Jon Fieldhouse dedicated two years to constructing the Orca II, which features numerous replica props from the film. He purchased an old Grand Banks fishing boat in Brighton and transported it to Conwy. Fieldhouse noted the challenges of sourcing authentic items, including the famous yellow flotation barrels used in the film, which he described as the most important and difficult to find. He also imported Narragansett beer cans, reminiscent of those crushed by the character Captain Quint, and crafted a shark cage for the experience.
Visitor Experience
The Orca II will be open to the public later this month, allowing small groups of four visitors at a time to tour the boat. Guests will have the opportunity to take photos, recite famous lines from the film, and even crush beer cans as part of the experience. Fieldhouse has received positive feedback from the public, indicating strong interest in the attraction.
Official Statements & Responses
Fieldhouse remarked on the significance of the project, stating, "I realized early on that she was going to be the only one in the world... It's quite a rare sort of thing." He expressed excitement about the potential for the Orca II to put Conwy on the map, similar to how Martha's Vineyard attracts *Jaws* fans. He also mentioned that the response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive.
Criticism & Opposition
While the attraction has garnered enthusiasm, there may be concerns regarding its impact on local resources and the sustainability of attracting large numbers of tourists. However, specific criticisms have not been highlighted in the available sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- "I've been working on it for so long, and no one really knew what I was doing, but as soon as I put the barrels on the front, they thought 'oh my God, yes, it's the boat from Jaws.'" — Jon Fieldhouse, Boatmaker
- "It's taken a long time to source everything, but I've loved every minute of it." — Jon Fieldhouse, Boatmaker
- "I hope it could help put Conwy on the map." — Jon Fieldhouse, Boatmaker
The Orca II represents a unique intersection of film history and local tourism, with Fieldhouse's dedication to authenticity promising an engaging experience for *Jaws* fans and tourists alike.
