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Image Not Available for Pottery mug featuring skiffs sailing on Sydney Harbour
Pottery mug featuring skiffs sailing on Sydney Harbour
Image Not Available for Pottery mug featuring skiffs sailing on Sydney Harbour

Pottery mug featuring skiffs sailing on Sydney Harbour

Maker
Date1941-1949
Object number00030612
NameMug
MediumCeramic, paint
Dimensions113 x 165 x 120 mm, 0.4 kg
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis mug commemorates the popularity of skiff sailing and reflects the humble origins of the sailors. The mug was produced in the 1940s by Diana Pottery in Sydney while the ashtray was a prize for the 16-foot championship in 1953.HistoryThe 18-footer skiff is designed to reach extreme speeds and provide an exciting and attractive sport for spectators to watch. This was the aim of the vessels when they were first designed in the late 19th century. The origins of the sport are attributed to Mark Foy and a group of businessmen who were the founding members of the Sydney Flying Yacht Squadron, reported to have been established on 19 October 1891 in the 'Sydney Morning Herald'. The club advocated for sailing to be open to all types of vessels and sailors. Their first competitive race is believed to have been held on Sydney Harbour on 26 January 1892. SignificanceThis mug is an important souvenir of skiff racing from 1913 to the post war era.