Sydney Heritage Fleet facts for kids
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| Established | 1965 |
|---|---|
| Location | Darling Harbour, Pyrmont, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Type | Maritime museum |
| Owner | Sydney Maritime Museum Ltd. |
| Public transit access |
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Sydney Heritage Fleet, is the trading name of Sydney Maritime Museum Ltd., a public (non-profit) company in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
The Fleet restores and operates a number of historic vessels including the barque James Craig. In 2003 the International Congress of Maritime Museums gave the James Craig the Maritime Heritage Award.
The offices, model workshop, some displayed boats, and the library are on Wharf 7 located in Darling Harbour. The James Craig is alongside the wharf. The fleet's shipyard is in Rozelle Bay;
Contents
History
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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. 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 SS John Oxley has no connection to Sydney harbour) was used. The Fleet now comprises 10 historic vessels which is amongst the largest collections of its type in the world.
Organisation
The Sydney Heritage Fleet is supported by a membership of 1200, with over 10 paid workers and 450 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.
Funding is through donations, membership subscriptions and income from vessel charters and tours.
Operational vessels
James Craig
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.
Waratah
Waratah is a coal fired tug and was launched at Cockatoo Island Dockyard, Sydney on the 22nd May 1902. Originally named Burunda, she was used to tow dredges and barges between the various ports along the NSW coast.
Lady Hopetoun
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.
Boomerang
The 1903 schooner Boomerang was launched as the Bona on the 24 of September; it was designed by the noted Sydney naval architect Walter Reeks
Protex a 1908 inner-harbour motor launch
Harman a 1947 ex-RAN 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
John Oxley
John Oxley is a steamship that previously served as a pilot boat and lighthouse and buoy tender. The ship was built in Scotland in 1927 for the Queensland state government.
Kanangra
Kanangara is a 1912 Sydney Ferries Limited steel and wooden ferry
Kookaburra II
A 1950s wooden speed boat
