SYDNEY HERITAGE FLEET

A Timeline

3 December, 1965	The Lady Hopetoun and Port Jackson Marine Steam Museum formally incorporated to preserve the veteran steam yacht Lady Hopetoun. Museum was initially located in Blackwattle Bay.
16 January, 1966	Steam yacht Lady Hopetoun purchased from the NSW Maritime Services Board for $600 and formally handed over by the President of the MSB, Mr W H Brotherton to the Museum President Captain Stovin-Bradford at Goat Island.
March, 1968	Steam tug Waratah acquired from the NSW Public Works Department at Newcastle.
24 October, 1969	Topsail Ketch Avanti purchased by the Museum for $3,000.
November, 1969	First members’ news bulletin published.
29 April, 1970	Waratah and Lady Hopetoun take part in Captain Cook Bicentenary celebrations on Sydney Harbour before the Queen.
10 June, 1970	The Queensland State Cabinet decide to donate the steam pilot vessel John Oxley to the Museum.
13 August, 1970	John Oxley officially handed over to the Museum by Mr Chalk, the Deputy Premier of Queensland.
16 August, 1970	John Oxley arrived in Sydney after a successful voyage from Brisbane crewed by SMM members.
April, 1971	First issue of “National Maritime Museum News” published incorporating the Museum’s new logo.
July, 1971	Museum vessel Avanti broken up after a chequered career. She was sabotaged in 1969 in Berry’s Bay on the night before she was to be auctioned, after which she was purchased and raised by the Museum.
March, 1972	Old sailing ship James Craig, (ex Clan MacLeod) lying in Recherche Bay, Tasmania surveyed to establish whether she could be salvaged and restored.
27 November, 1972	John Oxley entered Sutherland Dock, Cockatoo Island for major hull restoration work.
27 May, 1973	James Craig refloated in Recherche Bay.
28 May, 1973	James Craig towed to Hobart by former Sydney tug Sirius Cove.
30 May, 1973	At an Extraordinary General Meeting of members the Museum’s name was changed to The Sydney Cove Waterfront Museum Limited.
October, 1973	The Bushell’s Trust donated $10,000 for repairs to Lady Hopetoun‘s boiler.
November, 1973	John Oxley represented the Museum at the opening of the Sydney Opera House.
1 April, 1974	The first full time Director of the Museum appointed – Captain John Lovell (ex RAN).
May, 1974	The Museum invited to present a series of maritime displays in Cadman’s Cottage.John Oxley out of service due to boiler problems.
3 May, 1974	Clan MacLeod’s original bell presented to the Museum’s Director, Captain John Lovell by Mrs Mary Huntley.
1 June, 1974	Lady Hopetoun re-commissioned by the Governor’s wife, Lady Cutler.
July, 1974	The Federal Government granted $40,000 towards restoration of James Craig.
August, 1974	An Art Union of 2,000 tickets established to raise funds for the James Craig restoration.
October, 1974	Art Union organisers decided to double the odds by halving the price of tickets to $50. The prizes to remain the same – a Rolls Royce and a Hood 23 Yacht and dinghy.
November, 1974	Famous marine artist Oswald Brett painted James Craig in memory of his former instructor John Alcott, and donated painting to Museum.
March, 1975	Museum acquired “beautiful 24ft rowing skiff, built by Barry Ward in Neutral Bay in 1895 for Walker Estate on Parramatta River and later owned by J R McQueen of the Balmain Rowing Club“.
April, 1975	$10,000 each for restoration of James Craig and John Oxley received from Federal Government.
June, 1975	The Art Union (Rolls Royce first prize) was drawn on 30 June. The winner was RAN cook, Richard Mailo. The Art Union netted $32,009.49. The second Art Union also for a Rolls and ten colour TV sets, launched with 4000 tickets @ $25 each.
May, 1976	Preliminary negotiations entered into with DJs Properties Ltd for occupancy of part of Birkenhead project.Restoration Manager, John Davis appointed.
6 August, 1976	Two Art Unions drawn. Rolls won by Mr & Mrs Spackman of Yass and Porsche/mink coat by Mr Box of Victoria. Profit expected to be approximately $58,000.
April, 1977	Museum’s name changed to Sydney Cove Waterfront Museum Ltd.Ray Thorsell appointed full time restoration Manager.
July, 1977	DJ”s Properties received approval from Council and NSW Government for development of Birkenhead Point and plan to have complex open by October 1978.The Museum acquired, on permanent loan, from the P&O and Shaw Savill companies, models of the Oriana, Cathay, Southern Cross and Northern Star.
September, 1977	Art Unions Nos. 10 (Range Rover), 11 (three Golfs) and 12 (Porsche) draws deferred due to postal strike.
December, 1977	Edna Stephenson joined staff as full time Curator.Museum membership reached 400.
March, 1978	Current Art Unions – No. 13 (BMW 528CA) and No. 14 (Jaguar XJS).
April, 1978	Advice received from DJs Properties that Birkenhead development will not be ready until March, 1979.
July, 1978	Museum’s first Executive Director, Captain John Lovell retired at the end of June.Layout and general specifications for the Museum’s display floors, workshops, administration areas submitted to Drummoyne Council for approval.Limited edition prints of James Craig (signed by artist Oswald Brett) made available for public sale $125 each. Prints made possible by loan from Unilever Australia.
October, 1978	Roderick W Glassford appointed Executive Director.History of James Craig booklet published by Jeff Toghill (price $3).
January, 1979	New counter stern fabricated and fitted to Waratah.
May, 1979	Art Union No. 18 launched (Lamborghini valued at $50,000) and AU No. 19 (Porsche 911SC valued at $41,000).Waratah re-commissioned.
21 January, 1980	Final agreement reached with DJs Properties on terms of lease of Birkenhead property.
7 August, 1980	Museum and John Oxley re-located to Birkenhead Point.
7 January, 1981	James Craig departed Hobart under tow for Sydney
18 January, 1981	James Craig arrived in Sydney.
July, 1981	Museum offered and accepted, the hull of the speedboat Kookaburra. Donor Clive Caporn, who had purchased it from the original owner, Joyce Brothers.
15 July, 1981	Waratah successfully carried out steaming trials after a long period of restoration.
November, 1981	Member, Ron Griffiths, donated a fully marinised Chrysler Imperial straight eight engine for Kookaburra, in good running order with a spare short motor.Protex, a 41ft ferry, built 1901 with 2 cylinder diesel engine donated by Mr Craig Stannard.
January, 1982	Since Museum opened at Birkenhead Point, more than $40,000 paid in entry fees.
March, 1982	Museum membership over 800.
May, 1982	Museum won a Certificate of Merit in Annual Museum of the Year Competition.
11 May, 1982	Death of Museum’s first full time Curator, Edna Stephenson
5 July, 1982	Mr Harlan Hall commenced duty as Museum Manager.
July, 1982	The Board accepted recommendations that the 1832 Sydney flag be adopted as the Museum’s official house flag.The Board announced the appointment of Mr Barry Groom as full time Curator.
March, 1983	Curator advised that members were being sought to undertake training to form an oral history group.
May, 1983	Oswald Brett, noted marine artist of New York, gave permission for the production of 300 prints of his painting of James Craig. Each print to be numbered and personally signed by the artist. Price $125 each.
July, 1983	For second successive year Museum awarded a Certificate of Merit in the Annual Museum of the Year Awards.Resident marine model maker, Mr G. Scardinale commenced setting up his work area in the Museum.Mr Mori Flapan commenced duty as full time ship conservator for James Craig.Oral History Group established under guidance of Mrs Margaret Reid.Tender for construction of pontoon dock let.
December, 1983	New quarterly magazine Australian Sea Heritage to be produced – first issue February 1984.
February, 1984	NSW Division of Cultural Activities Grant $33,500 to Museum to help finance salaries for Manager, Curator & Ship Conservator.
April, 1984	‘Ship Ahoy 84′ held at Birkenhead Point.
May, 1984	James Craig restoration grant stage II commenced with the assistance of Community Employment Program (CEP).
1 July, 1984	Curator Barry Groom appointed Deputy Manager/Curator.
4 May, 1984	Cyril L Hume died. Large maritime collection donated.
25 July, 1984	Sir William Northam handed over Olympic gold medal racing yacht Barranjoey.Museum membership now over 1000 strong.
20 September 1984	James Craig towed to restoration berth Rozelle Bay
13 December 1984	Bicentennial grant of $1.5 million towards James Craig restoration.
13/14 April, 1985	‘Ship Ahoy 85‘ held at Birkenhead Point.Anonymous visitor donated $50,000 to advance restoration of John Oxley.
Autumn, 1985	Instituted corporate membership at $100 per year.
2 April, 1985	Sydney Cove Waterfront Museum Ltd name changed to the Sydney Maritime Museum Ltd and the Australian Maritime Museum Trust formed. All vessels, artefacts, etc of the Sydney Maritime Museum collection come under the ownership of the Trust.
Winter, 1985	National Australia Bank sponsored major exhibition on James Craig restoration.Museum’s Dock under construction by Citra Constructions Ltd designed by member Mori Flapan.
Spring, 1985	David Hill joined Museum as Project Manager.
20 September, 1985	Sea Heritage Dock built by Citra Constructions Ltd. Launched on Parramatta River.
22 October, 1985	James Craig placed on Sea Heritage Dock and on 25 October towed to Rozelle Bay.
October, 1985	Member Basil Catterns founding Editor of Australian Sea Heritage retires. New Editor Ross Gillert.Department of Corrective Services agreed to assist restoration of James Craig with detainees as part of Workforce.Mr Gordon Ingate donated Gretel II – America’s Cup participant 1970 & 1977.
Spring, 1986	James Craig moved to No. 9 Pyrmont for Sydney International Boat Show. In October moved to No. 9 Woolloomooloo for RAN 75th Anniversary celebrations.
Summer, 1986	ANI donated $300,000 over three years to the restoration of James Craig.
26 February, 1986	Sydney Harbour ferry Kanangra donated by the NSW Government plus a cheque for $75,000.
January, 1987	Instituted volunteer hours award system of badges for hours worked.
October, 1987	The Albert family gifted the 1903 (gentlemen’s) schooner Boomerang to the Museum.
Autumn, 1988	Museum signed lease for Sydney Seaport.
15 January, 1988	James Craig moved to new home Port Darling Harbour followed by Kanangra and other heritage vessels.
21 January, 1988	Sydney Seaport officially opened.
Winter, 1988	Mr Richard Morgan appointed new General Manager.
25-28 September, 1988	Sydney Maritime Museum host to first Australian conference of theInternational Congress of Maritime Museums – 67 delegates from 13 countries.
Summer, 1988	New exhibition area on Kanangra.New Editor Australian Sea Heritage – Peter Plowman.
December, 1989	Waratah and Gretel II visited Newcastle for one week and returned to Sydney 4/12/1989.SMM conferred Honorary Life Membership on Captain John Wayling.
February, 1990	The Stannard family gifted the workboat and 1955 passenger launch Berrima to the Museum.
Spring, 1990	The Maritime Society founded and proved financially successful.
Summer, 1990	Sydney Maritime Museum commemorates the first 25 years.
July, 1991	General Manager Mr Richard Morgan resigned – granted Life Membership. Succeeded by Mr Desmond Kennard.
October, 1991	Sydney Maritime Museum signed an agreement with the Australian National Maritime Museum to loan vessels Lady Hopetoun, Waratah, Boomerang and Gretel II for one year for display but still available for charters etc.Mr Brian Northam completed two years as President – Colin Pursehouse President.
October to April 1992	Waratah steamed to RAN College Jervis Bay to pick up the new figurehead for James Craig sculpted by Denis Adams OAM.
May, 1992	A special committee established to manage the large collection of Museum’s heritage boats.
22 May, 1992	His Excellency Rear Admiral Peter Sinclair OA Governor of NSW recommissioned the 90 year old flagship of the Museum fleet, the steam launch Lady Hopetoun.
1992	The Museum acquired the formr Royal Australian Navy workboat and 1943 motor launch Harman.
Winter, 1993	Australian Sea Heritage new Editor Graeme Andrews.
16 April, 1993	Sydney Maritime Museum’s oral history officially transferred to State Library of NSW’s research section of State Library’s Mitchell Wing. Over the past 10 years Margaret Reid, Museum Member guided and put together this collection.
March/April, 1993	Sydney Mariner newsletter instituted.Special committee formed to manage small vessels under 35ft, currently 50 boats.
19 May, 1993	Board of Governors made mission statement on official aims and objectives for the operation of Sydney Maritime Museum.
August, 1993	CEO Desmond Kennard resigned. John Smith appointed CEO.
25 May, 1994	A formal agreement signed by the Sydney Maritime Museum and Board of Governors marking the final stage in the restoration of James Craig.
21 June, 1994	A memorandum of understanding between Australian National Maritime Museum and the Sydney Maritime Museum formally signed. Sydney Maritime Museum to cease to publicly use the name ‘Sydney Maritime Museum’.
14 July, 1994	Plaque dedicated to Cape Hornerd unveiled on James Craig by the Governor of NSW Vice Admiral Peter Sinclair.
10-11 November, 1994	Sydney Maritime Museum moved its berth at Darling Harbour to its workshops at Rozelle Bay and its administrative office to 6 Mansfield Street Rozelle.
1 December, 1994	Phil Renouf installed as President of Sydney Maritime Museum.
Spring, 1995	Sydney Maritime Museum celebrates its 30th anniversary with Dinner.
November, 1995	Active and founding member (1930-95) of Sydney Maritime Museum David Austin Phippard OAM BA LLB passed away.
Summer, 1995	‘Fish & Ships’ guided tours commenced.
April, 1995	The Museum’s replica Tom Thumb II took part in re-enactment of Bass & Flinders voyage from Port Jackson to Lake Illawarra and back.
July, 1996	The National Australia Bank large loan finally extinguished.Sydney Maritime Museum listed on internet.
October, 1996	Sir Alexis Albert who donated Boomerang passed away.
17 February, 1997	James Craig on Museum’s Sea Heritage Dock towed to Garden Island’s Captain Cook graving dock.
23 February, 1997	James Craig refloated and John Oxley placed on Sea Heritage Dock and towed back to Rozelle.Agreed to co-locate our Mansfield Street activities to No.7 Pyrmont with the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Summer, 1998	For the third time the Museum’s name has been changed and is now to be known as ‘Sydney Heritage Fleet’.
Winter, 1998	‘Lifeboat Appeal’ raised over $100,000.
Spring, 1998	Sydney Heritage Fleet’s seven restored vessels held special ‘Steam Past’.
Summer, 1998	Entered Cyberspace at www.seaheritage.asn.au
Autumn, 1999	Steam tug Waratah voyage to Newcastle to celebrate 200th anniversary of the Port of Newcastle.
Winter, 1999	Channel 7 Sunday evening programme “The World Around Us’ featuring Sydney Harbour, starred the Sydney Heritage Fleet.
15 July, 1999	Sydney Heritage Fleet moved into the newly built home base at Wharf 7 Pyrmont (The National Maritime Museum’s additional building).
5 October, 1999	Lighthouse fundraising dinner at NSW’s Parliament House.
8 October, 1999	Official opening Wharf 7 Pyrmont.
11 October, 1999	James Craig towed to Captain Cook Graving Dock for installation of propellers.
10 May, 2000	Lady Hopetoun for only the second time in her 98 years of service proceeded outside Sydney Heads to Pittwater for three and a half weeks of booked cruises in the Hawkesbury River as far upstream as Wiseman’s Ferry. Also took part in the fortieth annual Wiseman’s Ferry declared speed navigation trial between Wiseman’s and Newport.
July, 2000	Motor launch Protex operated with cruises on Lake Macquarie.
12 November, 2000	James Craig was formally re-commissioned and tributes paid to hundreds of volunteers, sponsors and staff.
3 Decembe,r 2000	James Craig goes to sea with full compliment of crew and”paying” tourists to evaluate crew coordination and customerservice.Accompanied back down the harbour by all eight of the otherfully restored SHF museum vessels.
4 December, 2000	James Craig opens to the public.
June, 2001	Commenced restoration John Oxley.
23 June, 2001	James Craig visits Newcastle to commemorate her 1901 “Federation” voyage into Australian waters.
Summer, 2001	Barque James Craig visits Twofold Bay to take part in in the Whale Festival and attend the International Convention of Maritime Museums, our Chairman being President
2 April, 2002	SMM CEO John Smith resigns and replaced by John Gilham.
8 April, 2002	President Phil Renouf suddenly died, replaced by Chris Stannard.
17 August, 2003	Museum introduces the Historic Harbour Tours.
23 October,2003	Inaugural Phil Renouf Memorial Lecture held at A.N.M.M.   “Women in Maritime History”, by Mrs Shirley Sinclair.
February 2005	Visit to Hobart for Australian Wooden Boat Festival by James Craig.
2008	Volunteers of the Fleet recorded 107,382 hours f volunteer effort.
June 2010	Board signs a lease for vacant land at bank Street, Pyrmont to enable relocation of the Fleet’s operational vessels.
December 2011	50 foot Harbour Tugs Bronzewing and Currawong acquired, on loan, from the RAN.
2012	Installation of some of the Fleet’s most significant small craft in the new Wharf 7 foyer exhibit area.
November 2012	Update on John Oxley – The last hull plate below the main deck level was replaced after some 25,000 rivets had been placed on 140 plates.
October 2013	International Fleet Review undertaken with two day charter of Lady Hopetoun by Royal Australian Navy. The vessel had been present in 1913 and, one hundred years later, was honoured with a place in the column of reviewing ships – with the added privilege of flying the white ensign.
2015	50th Anniversary of the Sydney Heritage Fleet.
2016	Initial proposal for a Maritime Heritage Precinct in Pyrmont Bay aired  and likely to become a possibility.