Gaff cutter on Sydney Harbour, possibly ERA, displaying the number '23'

Photographer William James Hall (Australian, 1877 - 1951)

Date1887-1890s

Object number00002222

NameGlass plate negative

MediumEmulsion on glass

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Bruce Stannard

Terms

Sydney Harbour

DescriptionBased on the crew height and the number of sail panels this is a very large yacht. The proportions and details of the rig, hull and stem and stern, including the covering board and channels suggest that this vessel is one of two Reeks designed yachts: either ERA, a 70 Feet loa, or VOLUNTEER, a 65 Feet loa. As a racing flag for the ERA is visible, this image is most likely to be of ERA racing on Sydney harbour. This vessel raced from 1887 to at least the mid 1890s.History 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.