Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Topsail from the 39 foot gaff cutter AKARANA
Topsail from the 39 foot gaff cutter AKARANA

Topsail from the 39 foot gaff cutter AKARANA

Maker
Datec 1987
Object number00001662
NameTopsail
MediumEgyptian cotton, stockholm tar, brass, denmark hemp, ink
DimensionsOverall: 5.8 kg
ClassificationsVessels and fittings
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the New Zealand Government
DescriptionTopsail from the 39 foot gaff cutter AKARANA. Manufactured by Hoods Sailmakers.HistoryAKARANA was built in 1888 and first used for racing. It was designed and built in Auckland New Zealand, and shipped by Logan to Melbourne specifically for the 1888 Centennial International Regatta held in Melbourne late in that year. In the Melbourne regatta AKARANA won a lead up event and then one of the feature races on the programme, but faired poorly in another two races when gear failed early on each time. It then came to Sydney for the Anniversary Regatta in 1889, and won the race for its class on handicap. SignificanceAKARANA is a yacht from the late 1880s designed and built to the tonnage rules for yacht racing. It has close connections to Australian yacht racing and recreational sailing from 1888 until the 1960s and is representative of the close ties between Australian and New Zealand yachting. AKARANA is also a rare Australian example of a design by Robert Logan, NZ, and shows his unique method of triple-skinned yacht construction.