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Wilson Brothers

BiographyThe Wilson's of Port Cygnet have been a significant firm in Tasmania's boat and ship building history. John Wilson established a shipbuilding business in 1870, after serving his time as a shipwright with Colin Walker. His sons Walter, Sydney and Tasman Wilson all joined the firm and continued the business. The yard settled permanently at Port Cygnet around 1900
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The early sail trading ketches built in Tasmania were a major part of that state's maritime workforce, and the Wilson's boat building and design company spans the history of these sailing ketches through to their conversion to motor vessels during the 1930's. The trading ketch ALICE was John Wilson's masterpiece.

Passage boats such as the MARY and IRAZU, early river steamers, a three-masted schooner ANNIE MCDOUGALL and numerous barges including the famous and long lasting LENNA all came from their yard. The first craft built by Wilson, the barge ANNIE WATT, is also still extant.

In recent times the family has continued design and building work through grandsons Keith, Alan and Noel Wilson, working with projects for yachts and launches as well as fishing boats and other similar craft.

References:
Graeme-Evans & Wilson, 1996, Built to Last, Tasbook Publishers
Kerr, Garry 1987, the Tasmanian Trading Ketch, Mains'l Books

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