Triangular mainsail from the fishing dinghy NEVER FAIL
Maker
Bunny Williams
Datec 1949
Object number00000061
NameMainsail
MediumBrass, canvas and hemp
DimensionsOverall: 5.5 kg
ClassificationsVessels and fittings
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from William Jenkins
DescriptionLeg o mutton mainsail from the clinker built fishing dinghy NEVER FAIL from Sydney, Australia. She was built in 1946 by local Bondi boat builders Dick Feeney and Len Healey and used as a family leisure and pleasure boat on and around Sydney harbour from 1946 to 1987.HistoryThe dinghy NEVER FAIL was built in 1946 at Clyde Street, Bondi by Dick Feeney, Alex Andrews, Bob Morris and Len Healey. It was a collaborative effort and she was built over a period of five weekends. There were no plans or half block models and was built purely from a 'boat builder’s eye'. According to Bob Morris, NEVER FAIL'S high bow and 'whaler - like' shape was a mistake caused by a mis measurement on the part of the plank of New Zealand kauri pine used. The lengths were apparently too short and caused an elevated bow. The effect was an odd shape that led her to be nicknamed the 'banana boat'. As a positive result however, she was able to ride the ocean waves very well, in much the same way as the earlier style surf boats which had a very pronounced 'banana' shape'.SignificanceNEVER FAIL is typical of a ubiquitous, ordinary fishing dinghy/runabout of the early postwar years. She is a lovely example of a locally built clinker boat construction.
