Images(2)

Bow decoration from the yacht GALATEA

Date1860s

Object number00047424

NameSculpture

MediumWood, paint, metal

DimensionsOverall: 380 x 120 x 130 mm, 1100 g

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the Trustees of the Sydney Training Depot

Terms

HistoryThe yacht GALATEA was owned by Staunton Spain, an eminent solicitor and one of the founders of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. According to his son Stanley Spain, the yacht was originally named TARRAGON, built in Balmain by George Reynolds. It was renamed by Spain in honour of HMS GALATEA which brought the first British Royal visitor - one of Queen Victoria's sons Prince Alfred - to Australia in 1868. The Prince's visit was well rememberd by Australians, as he was shot twice in an assassination attempt, but survived. Spain won the Balmain regatta in his yacht in 1869 and presented a 'Galatea Cup' to the Royal Sydney Anniversary Regatta. The yacht was sunk in 1872 when the ferry PACIFIC ran into it at its mooring off Neutral Bay, near the Spain house. SignificanceThe bow decoration is a rare emblem of this period of yachting history in Sydney, and a reminder of the commemoration of Alfred's visit, and the great public anguish and outcry over his shooting.