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Yawl, probably ERA, off Farm Cove, Sydney Harbour
Yawl, probably ERA, off Farm Cove, Sydney Harbour

Yawl, probably ERA, off Farm Cove, Sydney Harbour

Photographer (Australian, 1877 - 1951)
Date1890s - 1930s
Object number00002476
NameGlass plate negative
MediumEmulsion on glass
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Bruce Stannard
DescriptionThis is a large yacht judging by the height of the crew and the number of sail panels. The vessel has the proportions and colour of either ERA or VOLUNTEER and is in cruising rig with mizzen, guard rails just aft of midships and davits with the dinghy being towed astern. The yacht is setting a mizzen, cruising main, topsail, foresail and jib, reaching home in the mid to late afternoon in a light wind, probably east to north east. Looking at the stern details of the covering board and the way the sunlight highlights the topsides suggest that the sheer or deck line would look flat in plan view, and both of these features indicate it would be ERA rather than VOLUNTEER.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.