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Derwent Hunter - Specifications and history
Specifications:
- Length over all: 90ft
- Length on deck: 74 ft
- Beam: 19ft
- Draft: 9ft
- Rig: Gaff Rigged Topsail Schooner
- Working sail: 2,400 square feet
History
Designed and built in Tasmania in 1946 by revered shipwright, Walter Wilson, The Hunter is a prime example of excellence in design. Blue Gum, Tassie Oak, Celery Top and Huon Pine were cut and dragged by bullock train to the slipway at Port Cygnet where they were worked by hand by a team of just four shipwrights over a period of 18 months. The result was one of the finest sailing trade vessels ever to be launched in Australia, her life story a fascinating tale of intrigue and adventure. . . .
The Hunter plied the rugged Tasmanian coast after her launch in 1946 when her savvy owner, fearing his ship may be commandeered for use by the armed forces, refitted her for lobster fishing and set sail for the remote harbour of Port Davy in Southern Tasmania. As fishing vessels were exempt from recruitment, the Hunter was spared the fate that befell an entire maritime heritage before her.
In 1950, the Hunter came to the attention of the CSIRO, her fine sea keeping abilities and strong construction making her the perfect choice for the role of Australia’s first oceanographic research vessel.
After a refit in Sydney, she set sail for 10 years of adventure under sail, roving from Antarctic waters in the Southern Ocean and as far north as Noumea and the outer Pacific Basin.
Her oceanographic discoveries were many. The Derwent Hunter Sea Mount and The Derwent Hunter Trench located 125nm East of Coffs Harbour just a few of her lasting legacies. Her ocean prowess – and that of her crew – was truly tested during her decade of research work, twice losing her rudder in fierce storms but successfully piloting back to port under sail.
In 1960, it was time for a reprieve from the hard work of her earlier years- and a stint in the movies! Paramount Studios purchased the photogenic vessel renaming her Pacific Lady and giving her the starring role in the long running TV series called The Rovers.
Her glamorous sojourn eventually came to an end and she sailed north running passengers from Darwin to Timor and the Philippines, her voyages reputedly involving the odd bit of smuggling and some intrigue. . .
By 1977, the future was looking bleak as the boat lay neglected and deteriorating in a mud berth in Cairns. But thanks to the intervention of marine enthusiast Bern Cuthbertson who purchased and rescued her, a new lease of life was just around the corner. Bern sailed her back to her home waters of Tasmania where a painstaking refit ensued before she ventured back into fishing under sail.
Her next chapter involved a refit to commercial survey enabling her to carry cargo and passengers to Lord Howe Island.
After being sold some time later; she circumnavigated Australia and also represented Australia in the Bi Centennial Hobart to Sydney Tallships race, outperforming many of the hundred strong fleet.
After being chartered in Perth for the Amercias Cup, she was then sold to a Gold Coast development company with a view to sail training. But the recession hit and The Derwent became a victim, left to deteriorate at the jetty – until spotted by Warren Ladd in 1991.
The first of numerous refits ensued with the lastest affected in 2007 – as Derwent Hunters 60th birthday present. Massive replanking was carried out along with new wiring and plumbing and general upgrading of facilities.
A mammoth project involving a team of the nations best shipwrights and timber specialists, the refit was carried out using traditional wooden ship building methods of hammers, chisels, saws, oakum, corking tools, stopping and steamer.
When she arrived in the Whitsunday’s in 1993, the Derwent Hunter was the largest traditional timber sailing vessel in the Whitsundays and is still arguably, the ‘Queen of the Fleet’ Warren skippered the boat himself six days a week for the first five years. As he explored the islands he began to expand his knowledge and appreciation of the unique ecology of the area. He developed the concept of combining Eco Tourism with Adventure Tourism to give everyone the chance to not only experience the boats beauty but also to gain a greater appreciation of the magnificent World Heritage Marine Park.