RYMC Rose Bay Speed Pennant Championship

Date1947 - 1948

Object number00006431

NamePennant

MediumSilk, wood frame under glass.

DimensionsOverall: 395 × 645 × 55 mm, 5 kg

ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from R G Pickering

Terms

DescriptionA framed pennant with engraved plaque beside it reading 'R.Y.M.C. Rose Bay, 1947 - 48. Speed Pennant Championship won by CENTAURUS, Bud Pickering'.HistoryRG 'Bud' Pickering owner of CENTAURUS won the Open Speed Championship of Australia and the Griffith Cup held at Kogarah Bay on January 27 1940 at a speed of 62.987 statute miles per hour. Within one second of crossing the finish line CENTAURUS caught fire with flames at times leaping 20 feet into the air. 'Bud' Pickering and his brother RW 'Reg' Pickering (mechanic) were unable to halt the fire and jumped over board.Speedboats circled the blaze to sink the boat with their wash. CENTAURUS sank before the petrol tanks exploded. When CENTAURUS was raised it was found to be almost totally destroyed.SignificanceThis pennant is part of memorabilia belonging to a national title holder and helps to document power boating and aquaplaning in Australia from the 1920s-1960s through the activities of Bud, Reg and Kathlyn Pickering.
The story of CENTAURUS' dramatic national title win and fire highlights the dangers and excitement of power boat racing.