PFS - Queen of Harbour - first prize 23/2/36 - APEX - Miss Nellie Barrett

Date1936

Object number00015665

NameSash

MediumSatin, gold cotton tassels, gold ink printed inscription

DimensionsOverall: 915 × 82 mm

ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Nellie Bottomley

Terms

HistoryEleanor (Nellie) Bottomley (nee Barrett) was 15 years old in 1936 when she became the first woman to win the Queen of the Harbour for her club, the Pyrmont Flying Squadron. She won it in her brother's 12 foot skiff APEX. Her brother George built the boat; her other brother Eddie owned the boat; and it was skippered by George Sassie. All her brothers (she had 7) raced their 12 footer skiffs during the racing season. Due to the high evels of unemployment of the period, particularly on the wharves, the boys would go sailing and racing as a way to fill in their long workless days-sailing became an important focus for the waterside community. Women were the fundraisers for the sailing clubs.Those who raised the most money could choose the skiff they wanted to sail.They were only allowed to race about once every three weeks and if their skiff won the race, the lucky lady was crowned Queen of the Harbour. Mr George Sassie donated a photograph to the Museum showing Mrs Bottomley at the Glebe Town Hall in the Queen of the Harbour Honour Parade.This image was used in the Trade Union display of the Commerce exhibition.