Cutter, possibly ISEA, sailing on Sydney Harbour

Photographer William James Hall (Australian, 1877 - 1951)

Date1890s - 1930s

Object number00012412

NameGlass plate negative

MediumEmulsion on glass

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Transfer from the Mitchell Library

Terms

DescriptionSee also 00011275 and 00013818 for images of ISEA.HistoryISEA was a Walter Reeks designed yacht, build by Ford around 1887 for Dr F. Milford. In 1897 ISEA was purchased by Mr Walter Marks, who made several alterations to the design and raced the yacht to many successful championship wins. Yachting was a major pastime on Sydney Harbour, and well-established by the mid-1800s. A number of clubs were formed, catering for all classes and types of sailing vessel, and for their owners from different backgrounds. Yachts tended to belong to successful businessmen, and their clubs such as the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron reflected the class structure of the time. Races were held throughout summertime, and in Sydney most were restricted to Sydney Harbour and other enclosed waterways, with occasional short offshore events. It was popular with the public who came to watch many important races and regattas when they were held on the harbour, gathering on the foreshores or watching from ferries that followed the races. Races were widely reported in the media as well, including drawn illustrations of the yachts, which were later replaced by early versions of photographs. SignificanceThe Hall photographic collection provides an important pictorial record of recreational boating in Sydney Harbour from the 1890s to the 1930s. The collection documents the lively sailing scene in Sydney during this period and features images of vessels ranging from large racing and cruising yachts to the great array of skiffs and the emerging technologies of motorboats. Images of the many spectators and crowds who supported and followed the sailing races are also included in this visual record.