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Belaying pin from the Japanese training ship NIPPON MARU
Belaying pin from the Japanese training ship NIPPON MARU

Belaying pin from the Japanese training ship NIPPON MARU

Date1930-1990
Object number00047426
NameBelaying pin
MediumWood (lignum vitae)
DimensionsOverall: 1580 x 230 x 375 mm, 3150 g
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the Trustees of the Sydney Training Depot
DescriptionLarge wooden belaying pin made from lignum vitae or ironwood. HistoryNIPPON MARU II was built in 1984, equipped with two diesel engines as a substitute ship to take the place of the former NIPPON MARU. It is the first and largest sized sail training ship to be built using only Japanese technologies including design and manufacture of sailing gears. The belaying pin is very worn in the rope groove and was probably discarded as no longer strong enough for the running rigging. It was displayed at the Len E Forsythe Museum at Sydney Training Depot, Snapper Island, Sydney Harbour, from 1931 until 2005. SignificanceNIPPON MARU was built in 1930, and was previously known as the SWAN OF THE PACIFIC. It is conserved in Yokohama, Japan. It was used for sea training for more than half a century.