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Surfboat KURRANULLA and oars
Photographer Andrew Frolows, ANMM

Surfboat KURRANULLA and oars

Maker
Builder
Designer
Date1964
Object numberV00000649
NameSurfboat
MediumPlywood, tea-tree, copper, plastic, paint, leather
DimensionsOverall: 880 x 7455 x 1670 mm, 215 kg
Vessel Dimensions: 7.46 m × 1.67 m, 0.26 tonnes (24.48 ft × 5.48 ft, 0.26 tons)
ClassificationsVessels and fittings
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club
DescriptionKURRANULLA is a 7.29m surf patrol boat built in 1964 by Roy Phillips and Sons of Balmain, NSW for the Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club. The stability of its traditional double-ended design made it suitable for rescue work. It was also used in surfboat races at surf carnivals. HistoryLaunched in 1964 as a club patrol and work boat, KURRANULLA patrolled Sydney's Cronulla beach for 20 years, rescuing swimmers, setting buoys for lifesaving carnivals and competing in club races. Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club purchased the boat for £500 with funds raised by the Ladies Committee. It was christened with the original Aboriginal form of the name 'Cronulla'. KURRANULLA was the last double-ender to be built for the club. After 20 years of service, the boat was restored for the Cronulla Club by the New South Wales Department of Corrective Services and the presented to the National Maritime Museum as a gift in 1987.SignificanceThis is one of the last double-ended surf boats built. It represents a phase of Surf Life Saving history and surf rescue boat design which was replaced by a new design of surf boat (with a tuck stern), which was in turn replaced by power craft. The boat represents a key sporting activity emblematic of Australian beach culture.