Start of an 18-footer Championship race on Sydney Harbour
Photographer
William James Hall
(Australian, 1877 - 1951)
Date1923-1927
Object number00013687
NameGlass plate negative
MediumEmulsion on glass
DimensionsOverall: 120 x 164 mm, 2 mm, 0.05 kg
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
DescriptionA Championship start off Clark Island. At left NSW displays a coat of arms insignia, KERIKI a 2-tone crescent, FLORRIE II the 2-tone triangle, HC PRESS two horizontal bars, ONDA a quartered triangle, ECLIPSE the tricolour with central cross, PASTIME the horseshoe, BRITANNIA the Red Duster, KISMET the Commonwealth flag, and AUSTRALIA the Union Jack. Another image taken just before this shot also shows LIFESAVER and MASCOTTE or AWAYA. Overlapping careers mean this has to be from between the 1923-1924 season and the 1926-1927 season (IS).HistoryYachting was a major pastime on Sydney Harbour, and well-established by the mid-1800s. A number of clubs were formed, catering for all classes and types of sailing vessel, and for their owners from different backgrounds. Yachts tended to belong to successful businessmen, and their clubs such as the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron reflected the class structure of the time.
Races were held throughout summertime, and in Sydney most were restricted to Sydney Harbour and other enclosed waterways, with occasional short offshore events. It was popular with the public who came to watch many important races and regattas when they were held on the harbour, gathering on the foreshores or watching from ferries that followed the races. Races were widely reported in the media as well, including drawn illustrations of the yachts, which were later replaced by early versions of photographs.
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 many of Sydney Harbour's historic sailing clubs and events are also included in this visual record.
