Can you believe it? Derwent Hunter reached a milestone in 2016, her 70th birthday!
She was built in 1946 in Tasmania by master shipwright Walter Wilson, and we pride ourselves on keeping her in tip top shape, year after year, to preserve this important piece of Australia’s maritime history.
While we ensure she gets new sails and a good hull clean and repaint whenever necessary, and keep her navigation and safety equipment top of the line, we have strictly kept all the workings of the ship in original condition. It ensures we can continue to provide the authentic, historic tall ship experience for our guests.
With no automation, guests are roped in (pun intended!) to help hoist and put away sails throughout the trip, and it’s one of the experiences of the tour that we get the most excitement about.
What type of ship is Derwent Hunter?
A gaff-rigged topsail schooner although theses days we hardly ever use the topsails.
What timber is she built of?
Blue Gum, Tasmanian Oak, Celery Top Pine and Huon Pine which grew within sight of the Wilsons slip yard, by the waters edge at Gardner Bay. These timbers are regarded as some of the best ship building timbers in the world, and were cut and dragged by bullock train to the slipway.
For what purpose was she built?
The design brief for the Derwent Hunter was for a fast sailing vessel resembling a grand banks schooner that could be used for gentlemanly pursuits and to supply fish for the restaurant at Wrest Point on Derwent River. The outcome was a vessel which was fast and seaworthy which is still turning heads today as she leaves many modern yachts in her wake.
A fascinating history
The Hunter has also worked as a research vessel for CSIRO, been a film star, had a few dubious years running “cargo” between Australia and the Indonesian islands, and now providing eco tours in the Whitsundays.
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See some of the details of the Hunter close up
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Book this October for travel throughout summer, right up until the end of March!
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Kids $99
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“Yesterday was perhaps one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. My husband and I chose this tour because we loved the idea of sailing in such a magnificent boat. We were not disappointed. The crew were friendly, approachable, helpful, knowledgeable and fantastic with my children (aged 10, 8 and 5). The food provided throughout the day was fresh, plentiful and tasty. I enjoyed getting to know other tour guests and chatting to everyone throughout the day. This was much easier to do than other tours we have been in because of the smaller number of guests. We have many wonderful memories including swimming with turtles, glimpse of a whale, admiring lovely coral and enjoying glorious quiet beaches.”
– Susan M., TripAdvisor, travelled in July 2016
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“It’s not how old you are, it’s how you are old.”
-Jules Renard
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