Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Northcote Cup Yachting Trophy
Northcote Cup Yachting Trophy

Northcote Cup Yachting Trophy

Maker
Date1921
Object number00031720
NameTrophy
MediumMetal, silver plate (?)
DimensionsOverall: 330 x 230 x 150 mm, 1.05 kg
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis Northcote Cup Yachting trophy was awarded to the owner-skipper of AWANUI Ill, Rear Commodore Alex Saxton of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Squadron. The trophy's base has the inscriptions of the winners of the event from 1908 to 1921. Some prior winners include KILLARA of the St Kilda Yacht Club, RAWHITI II of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and the RIP of the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria.HistoryRegattas were central to competitive boating from the 19th century and functioned as a social and sporting occasion as well as a marker of official anniversaries in a public aquatic spectacle. Civic leaders, politicians and merchants offered patronage and sponsorship. Community regattas often featured several races, including rowing, sculling and sailing events usually for professional watermen and amateurs. The regatta was not just a means for exercising competitive sport but also a focus for social and recreational entertainment in Sydney. Sites around the foreshore provided a place for spectators to gather and have picnics, while night time entertainment was provided with dances and recitals. Yachting regattas were held by individual clubs as well as yachting associations enabling interclub and interstate competitions for different classes of yachts.SignificanceThe Northcote Cup was presented to Victoria by Australia's Governor-General, Lord Northcote in 1908 as a perpetual interstate challenge prize for 6-metre yachts. The perpetual trophy, retained by the winning club is 620 mm high. A smaller replica was presented to the winning skipper. The Northcote Cup represents yachting development in Australia and the skills of rival designers as well as competition between New South Wales and Victorian crews.

In the 1920 series AWANUI III lost its rig and in a sporting gesture the Victorian rivals RIP and KILLARA retired. When the race was rerun RIP was disqualified for fouling a mark while racing neck and neck with AWANUI III. AWANUI III was warded the trophy.