Bluebird class yacht model

Maker Sydney Heritage Fleet

Date2019

Object number00055461

NameModel

MediumPlastic and wood

DimensionsOverall (including acrylic stand): 702 × 445 × 148 mm, 838 g

ClassificationsModels

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum funded from the bequest of the late Dr Keith Jones

Terms

DescriptionA 1:16 scale model of the Bluebird class yacht. This model is an accurate representation of an amateur built plywood version of a popular Australian class of yacht originally designed by Sydney Naval Architect Ken Watts in the 1940s, reflecting the layout and configuration of the yacht DERYN GLAS, owned and built by Dr Keith Jones of Mosman Sydney in the 1960s. During World War II Watts considered what sort of simple yacht he could build when the war ended. He came up with plans for the Bluebird, a plywood Bermudan sloop, 22 feet or 6.7 metres overall long that was a surprisingly roomy little yacht. This model was commissioned from the Sydney Heritage Fleet model makers and built from copies of the class approved Bluebird plans in 2019.HistoryThe Bluebird was the product of Sydney Naval Architect Ken Watts. During World War II he considered what sort of simple yacht he could build when the war ended. He came up with a design which became the Bluebird, and although he never built one himself, he had created a design for a small yacht that could be amateur built in plywood, and allow sailors easy access to owning a yacht and enjoying sailing despite the hard economic times that were ahead. The Bluebird introduced several features which, though neither original nor entirely novel, were certainly departures from standard Australian practice. This model captures the Bluebird's qualities in miniature, combining appearance with the highly desirable qualities of being a simple, easy and economic yacht to build, and one that sailed well. The layout of the hull and other details resemble that of the yacht DERYN GLAS from the 1960s, which was owned and built by Dr Keith Jones of Mosman Sydney. The mast and boom however represent the original timber spars designed by Watts, to show the level of detail he provided to amateur builders.SignificanceThe model built in 2019 captures the simple qualities of the Bluebird class design that was prepared for amateur builders. It was built from copies of the class plans drawn by naval architect Ken Watts and accurately models the details of the full size yachts.