The barque James Craig was built by Bartram, Haswell & Co. in Sunderland, England in 1874. Originally named Clan Macleod, her maiden voyage was to Peru.
For 26 years she plied the trade routes of the world carrying general cargoes during which period she rounded Cape Horn 23 times. In 1900 she was purchased by Mr J J Craig of Auckland and was used on trans-Tasman trade routes as a general cargo carrier. In 1905 she was re-named James Craig and then a short six years later, in 1911, she was laid up because increasing competition from steam ships made sailing vessels uneconomical. She was then stripped and used as a copra hulk in New Guinea. After the First World War there was an acute shortage of cargo ships. This gave James Craig a new lease of life after being towed from New Guinea to Sydney for re-fitting.
Her return to service was brief because in 1925 she was reduced to a coal hulk at Recherche Bay, Tasmania. In 1932 she was abandoned and became beached after breaking her moorings in a storm. She remained beached until 1972 when volunteers from the Sydney Heritage Fleet re-floated her. In 1973 she was towed to Hobart where temporary repairs were carried out. She was towed to Sydney in 1981 and restoration work commenced. The James Craig's restored hull was re-launched in February 1997.
beached and abandoned . . .
Off Sydney Heads, on a glorious summer day in February 2001, she hoisted all her 21 sails for the first time in nearly 80 years and is now fully operational.
James Craig is berthed at Wharf 7 Pyrmont and is open to the public for guided tours from 10:00am to 4:00pm daily.
James Craig sails most weekends, either on Saturday or Sunday (see What's On When for dates). These cruises are open to the public and small groups. The vessel carries 80 passengers at sea and 200 in the harbour. Bookings can be made through the Fleet's highly secure online shop, or by phoning the Fleet on 02 9298 3888.
She is also available for charter; either for a cruise on the open sea under sail, under power in Sydney Harbour or simply tied up alongside her berth.
For further charter information, or to make a charter reservation, contact the Marketing and Events Manager on 02 9298 3868 or email sedwards@shf.org.au
A fine painting of James Craig leaving on her final voyage to Hobart in 1920 can be seen on the website of noted Australian marine artist Robert Carter.
For much more information on the James Craig, her history, personalities connected with her, what she is doing now, and other fascinating aspects, explore the links in the menu bar at the left: Go to Our Vessels and Other Artifacts - James Craig - then click on what interests you.
