Summary
Sydney Heritage Fleet, is the trading name of Sydney Maritime Museum Ltd., a public company[1] in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
  Location within Sydney | |
| Established | 1965 |
|---|---|
| Location | Wharf 7, 58 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Heritage shipyard located at Gate 4, 13 James Craig Road, Rozelle, NSW 2039. |
| Coordinates | 33°52′03″S 151°11′55″E / 33.8675°S 151.1985°E |
| Type | Historic ship collection |
| Public transit access |
|
| Website | shf |
The Fleet restores and operates a number of historic vessels including the barque James Craig. In 2003 the World Ship Trust awarded James Craig its prestigious Maritime Heritage Award.[2]
The offices, model workshop, some displayed boats, and the library are on Wharf 7 located in 58 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont NSW 2009. The James Craig is alongside the Wharf 7. The fleet's shipyard is in Rozelle Bay; However, they are in the process of moving the yard to Berrys Bay to allow for expansion.
On Sunday the 18th of February the James Craig celebrated 150 years in a style befitting the flagship Sydney's largest Yacht.
Unfortunately funding issues due to mismanagement have come to light due to overpaid and unneeded staff. (11)
https://amp.smh.com.au/national/nsw/stormy-waters-ahead-for-sydney-tall-ship-on-150th-birthday-20240215-p5f5ai.html
History edit
The Lady Hopetoun and Port Jackson Marine Steam Museum was the forerunner of the Sydney Heritage Fleet. In 1965 a group of enthusiasts under Warwick Turner, formed the museum to preserve Sydney's 1902 VIP steam yacht Lady Hopetoun.[3][4] The organisation later became known as the Sydney Maritime Museum Ltd. In 1998 the museum adopted the trading name Sydney Heritage Fleet, except for two years (2003/4) when 'Australian Heritage Fleet' (more accurately reflecting the fleets make up, for example the SS John Oxley has no connection to Sydney harbour) was used.[5] The Fleet now comprises 10 historic vessels which is amongst the largest collections of its type in the world.[6]
In 2019 the heritage fleet's reputation was marred by controversy following accusations of bullying Racism and harassment [8]
Organisation edit
The Sydney Heritage Fleet is supported by a membership of 1,200, with over 15 paid workers and 200 volunteer workers who restore, operate and maintain the fleet and preserve traditional maritime methods and skills. In addition to the 10 primary vessels being operated or restored, the Fleet also has 55 small heritage boats and a significant collection of marine engines under restoration, as well as a collection of over fifty model ships. A comprehensive research library and archive which includes photographs, ships' plans, diaries, logs and journals is also maintained. Though it is inaccessible to the public
Funding is through donations, membership subscriptions and income from vessel charters and tours.[6]
Operational vessels edit
James Craig edit
James Craig is a three-masted, iron-hulled barque. Built in 1874 in Sunderland, England, by Bartram, Haswell, & Co., she was originally named Clan Macleod. She was employed carrying cargo around the world, and rounded Cape Horn 23 times in 26 years. In 1900 she was acquired by Mr J J Craig, renamed James Craig in 1905, and operated between New Zealand and Australia until 1911.
In September 2023 she was docked due to urgent repairs needed to keep her afloat. [9]
Waratah edit
Waratah is a coal fired tug and was launched at Cockatoo Island Dockyard, Sydney on 22 May 1902. Originally named Burunda, she was used to tow dredges and barges between the various ports along the NSW coast.[7]
Lady Hopetoun edit
Lady Hopetoun is a 1902 VIP steam launch named after the Governor General of Australia's wife - the then Lady Hopetoun. She was built in the W. M. Ford yard at Berrys Bay, Sydney and launched on the tenth of April.[8]
Boomerang edit
The 1903 schooner Boomerang was launched as the Bona on 24 September; it was designed by the noted Sydney naval architect Walter Reeks[9][10]
Protex a 1908 inner-harbour motor launch
Harman a 1947 ex Royal Australian Navy harbour workboat/passenger motor boat
Berrima a 1954 Botany Bay workboat/passenger motor boat
Bronzewing, 1968 and Currawong, 1969, are Bronzewing-class harbour tugs (on loan from the Royal Australian Navy). They are used to berth and un-berth James Craig or to relocate the steam ships when not under steam.
Vessels under restoration edit
John Oxley edit
John Oxley is a steamship that previously served as a pilot boat and buoy tender. The ship was built in Scotland in 1927 for the Queensland state government.
Was relaunched in April 2022
The vessel will be almost completely new like the James Craig due to heavy corrosion over the last 4 decades.
Kanangra edit
Kanangara is a 1912 [Sydney Ferries Limited] ferry. Built with a steel hull and wooden superstructure.
The hull plating and framing needs complete replacement after decades of neglect.
When first handed over she was almost ready to go into service.
Kookaburra II edit
A 1950s wooden speed boat
References edit
- ^ "Current details for ABN 70 000 519 246". Australian Business Register. 4 August 2004. Archived from the original on 3 December 2017. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
- ^ "World Ships Trust, Maritime Heritage Awards" (PDF). International Congress of Maritime Museums. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 December 2017. Retrieved 5 December 2017.
- ^ "Traditions and skills a half century on - International Congress of Maritime Museums". Archived from the original on 5 December 2017. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
- ^ Beresford, Charles (26 January 1966). "An Edwardian piece of our history". The Canberra Times. Vol. 40, no. 11, 375. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. p. 2. Retrieved 2 December 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Australian Heritage Fleet", Trove, 2011, retrieved 3 December 2017
- ^ a b c "Sydney Heritage Fleet". Sydney Heritage Fleet. Archived from the original on 17 December 2017. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
- ^ "A NEW GOVERNMENT STEAMER". The Daily Telegraph. No. 7162. New South Wales, Australia. 23 May 1902. p. 8. Retrieved 6 December 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "New Harbour Trust Steamer". The Australian Star. No. 4414. New South Wales, Australia. 10 April 1902. p. 5. Retrieved 2 December 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "LAUNCH OF THE YACHT BONA". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 20, 452. New South Wales, Australia. 26 September 1903. p. 7. Retrieved 3 December 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ Blaxell, Gregory (September 2011). "A Boomerang for all seasons". www.afloat.com.au. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
11 ^ ^https://amp.smh.com.au/national/nsw/stormy-waters-ahead-for-sydney-tall-ship-on-150th-birthday-20240215-p5f5ai.html
External links edit
- Sydney Heritage Fleet