Crew of SCHEMER, Australian 18 footers Sailing Championships, Brisbane, January 1930
Date1930
Object number00025980
NamePhotograph
MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper, mounted on card
DimensionsOverall: 305 x 375 mm
Image: 170 x 125 mm
Image: 170 x 125 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Patricia Lowing
DescriptionThese photographs are important in documenting the sailing career of Patrick Edward Cotter who crewed and skippered 18-ft skiffs in Queensland in the 1920s and 30s. Patrick Cotter crewed on ABERDARE which won an unprecedented four consecutive Australian Championships in 1933-34, 1933-35, 1935-36, and 1936-37.
HistoryQueensland has a long history of building and racing 18-ft sailing skiffs on the Brisbane River and produced innovative vessel designs in the first half of the 20th century that were frequently at odds with vessels deigned and raced in New South Wales. Queensland dominated the popular 16-ft sailing skiff class from 1919 and the same skills were soon applied to the 18-ft class.
Queensland 18-ft skiff ABERDARE, known as the 'Galloping Ghost' was a radical departure from the traditional 18-ft skiff which carried voluminous sails and at least 12 crew. ABERDARE was carried less sail and with a crew of just 7 it achieved remarkable results in local and interstate competitions becoming a finely tuned racing machine. It held four consecutive Australian titles1933-34, 1933-35, 1935-36 and 1936-37 which finished in a dead heat.
SCHEMER was built in 1927 and sailed with Brisbane 18-footers' Sailing Club. It was originally owned by a syndicate and was skippered by V Callaghan. The original sail insignia was a maroon and blue cross. The vessel was renamed EX QUEENSLANDER IISignificanceThese photographs are important in documenting the sailing career of Patrick Edward Cotter who crewed and skippered 18-ft skiffs in Queensland in the 1920s and 30s.
