8-footer ZEPHYR on Sydney Harbour

Photographer William James Hall (Australian, 1877 - 1951)

Date1899

Object number00002619

NameGlass plate negative

MediumEmulsion on glass

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Bruce Stannard

Terms

DescriptionGlass plate negative of the 8-foot skiff ZEPHYR by William Hall. This image depicts the first female skipper to win a race on Sydney Harbour. This image depicts two men and a women sailing the vessel. The female skipper's family name was Irene Pritchard, she was the first woman to win a race on Sydney Harbour and was often called lady yachts man. In this image she is captured on the boat with her elder brother Harry and another brother Fred. History"The Zephyr, the flyer of the 8-footers, is quiet a new departure in boat building, her dimensions being 8ft long by 8ft beam, making her as long as she is broad. Not the least interesting feature about her is that she is piloted by Miss Irene Pritchard, who is the first on the list to represent the gentle sex amongst the tiny squadron. In seven starts the Zephyr has gained no less than five victories, one second, and in the remaining event had the misfortune to "turn turtle." This small craft was built by the well-known firm of Messrs. Pritchard and Company, boatbuilders, of Leichhardt." -Australian Town and Country Journal, 4 March 1899SignificanceThe 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 many of Sydney Harbour's vessels, such as ZEPHYR, are also included in this visual record.