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Food and stores plan for yacht RANI titled 'Food for Seven People for 10 Days'
Food and stores plan for yacht RANI titled 'Food for Seven People for 10 Days'

Food and stores plan for yacht RANI titled 'Food for Seven People for 10 Days'

Artist
Dateafter 1945
Object number00048257
NameDrawing
MediumPaper, ink, pencil
DimensionsOverall: 756 x 560 mm
Copyright© Alison Richmond
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Alison Richmond
DescriptionThis pencil and ink drawing by Ray Richmond shows three different views of the internal structure of the yacht RANI and its various compartments, with the storage location and amount of different types of food provisions mapped out. It is associated with the scrapbook [00048228] complied by Raymond Richmond, a crew member of the winning yacht RANI that documents the inaugural (1945) Sydney Hobart Yacht race. HistoryIn 1945 Jack Earl, Peter Luke and others from the fledgling Cruising yacht Club of Australia planned a Christmas Cruise from Sydney to Hobart. British ocean-racer John Illingworth, skipper of RANI suggested making it a race. Working with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania a friendly fleet was assembled. The race set off with a knockabout character of improvisation, mateship and gentlemanly rivalry. When three yachts went missing, there was intense media coverage until they were found. The race had established an enduring place in the imagination of a war-weary public. RANI was first across the line and winner on handicap with a time of 6 days and 14 hours. RANI's success was due to the skipper/owner Captain John Illingworth's thorough understanding of ocean racing and the co-operation of the crew who made the necessary sail changes without delay. The yacht was sailed with naval efficiency hard by night and day with a system of four hourly watches alternating with the evening dog watches. This ensured all crew had proper rest. RANI also sailed the shortest course as Illingworth had obtained local information for the voyage from fishermen, pilots and sea captains.SignificanceThis drawing shows how food and other supplies were stored onboard RANI during the inaugural Sydney-Hobart yacht race in 1945.