Historic Replicas
Prior to 1800 the boats of the Royal Navy and a small yawl built in Sydney Cove were the only means of transport available in the young colony. All of the early exploration of the Parramatta, Hawkesbury and Georges Rivers, and the coast as far south as Port Hacking and Lake Illawarra, were undertaken in these small but rugged craft.
The Fleet has a unique collection of replica boats, which were built to re-enact early voyages. These include the longboat used by Captain Bligh on his epic voyage to Timor after the Bounty mutiny in 1783; Tom Thumb II in which Bass and Flinders explored the NSW coast as far as Lake Illawarra in 1796; and a First Fleet jollyboat based on plans of 1781.
More information on these historic replica boats.
Sailing Skiffs
Since the early days of the colony open sailing skiffs, of local design and manufacture, have been immensely popular. The best known of the skiff classes is the “18 footer”, but 16ft and 12ft classes were also popular.
The collection includes representative examples of craftsman-built wooden skiffs from the heydays of the above classes. The best known of these is the 1924 18ft skiff Yendys (Sydney spelt backwards), which has been completely restored and is on display fully rigged.
More information on these historic sailing skiffs.
Other Sailing Craft
The collection features a number of highly developed local designs like the Vaucluse Juniors and Seniors (VJs and VSs), and small sailing and racing yachts.
More information on these other sailing craft.
Motor Boats and other Small Boats
Also featured are rowing and motor boats, of the types commonly made by local builders and used on regional waterways, racing and pleasure skiffs, surfboats, dinghies, small motor boats and launches, pilots whaleboats and ships’ lifeboats.
More information on these motor boats.
More information on these other small boats.
For further information contact the Small Boat Registrar on 02 9298 3850 or email mrrc@shf.org.au
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