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FAIRLIE II
FAIRLIE II

FAIRLIE II

Artist (1826 - 1925)
Datec 1900s
Object number00040027
NameOil painting
MediumOil paint, canvas gilded timber frame
DimensionsOverall: 750 x 800 mm
Image: 440 x 800 mm
Sight: 440 x 800 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
Collections
DescriptionThis oil painting by Captain James Haughton Forrest represents the broadside view of the gaff-rigged cutter yacht FAIRLIE II, racing offshore. The painting represents an accurate configuration of the yacht during its early years in Tasmania, with the cutter flying two topsails, and possibly racing against the yawls in the background. The high profile yacht was owned by the Tasmanian gentleman yachtsman Frederick Norman Clarke around the turn of the 20th century. Significantly, the yacht is still afloat on Sydney's Pittwater. HistoryThe 38 foot FAIRLIE II was one of five yachts built for Frederick Norman Clarke in the ten years from 1894. It was designed by the famed Scottish boat designer William Fife III at Fairlie, Scotland. The oak frames were made by Fife's yard in Scotland and shipped to Robert Inches' boat yard at Battery Point in Hobart. There the yacht was built using local timbers for the planking and spars. The yacht won the race for 'First class' yachts at the Hobart Regatta in 1903, and again under different owners in 1911. It also won the Bruni Island race in 1904, 1906 and 1908. During this period, the world of Tasmanian yachting was small and the larger cruising boats and trading ketches also competed in racing events. SignificanceDating from around 1900, the painting is a rare document of an early 20th century yacht still in active use.