Cutter on Sydney Harbour, most likely ERA, with the number '27' printed on the topsail

Photographer William James Hall (Australian, 1877 - 1951)

Date1887 - 1890s

Object number00002464

NameGlass plate negative

MediumEmulsion on glass

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Bruce Stannard

Terms

Sydney Harbour

DescriptionBased on the height of the crew this is a big yacht, with proportions and details to suit either of the yachts ERA or VOLUNTEER. The vessel is sailing upwind in light conditions, with a main, jackyard topsail, foresail and jib set, spinnaker pole pulled up vertically along the mast and probably a balloon jib lashed to the bowsprite. There is a sail number, either 27 or 29, and a racing flag is just visible. Of ERA and VOLUNTEER, this flag corresponds most compatibly with ERA, a yacht that raced from 1887 to at least the mid-1890s.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.