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The steam yacht ST GEORGE at anchor in Farm Cove, Sydney Harbour
The steam yacht ST GEORGE at anchor in Farm Cove, Sydney Harbour

The steam yacht ST GEORGE at anchor in Farm Cove, Sydney Harbour

Photographer
DateMay 1892
Object numberANMS1092[264]
NameGlass plate negative
MediumEmulsion on glass
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Mr and Mrs Glassford
DescriptionThis image depicts Mr Ernest Wyther's yacht ST GEORGE, of the Royal Yacht Squadron, in Sydney Harbour during a voyage around the world.HistoryThe steam yacht ST GEORGE of the the Royal Yacht Squadron embarked on an around the world journey in 1891. The vessel's owner, Ernest Wythers, was joined on the journey by friends including Dr George Fyfe who published a book on the voyage titled 'The Cruise of the ST GEORGE, R.Y.S. to see the world 1891-92'. ST GEORGE reached Sydney in mid-April 1892, where the vessel remained for the next 6 weeks. In his publication Fyfe recorded his impressions of Sydney: 'We had often heard Sydney Harbour spoken of as the finest in the world, and now that we have seen it we believe it to be so, for nothing could exceed the picturesque beauty of the scene by which we were surrounded, in addition to the essential qualities of every good harbour, safety and capacity, both of which it possesses in a high degree.'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.