We have been in Newcastle today and spotted this fabulous vessel at Queens Wharf. I have seen this ship previously at Shoal Bay on a few occasions and took a photo of it back in November 2013. http://365project.org/onewing/365/2013-11-20
Today I was able to go on board and it is fantastic. By the wharf is a notice which reads as follows.
Notorious is a full size sailing recreation of a 15th century vessel of exploration, the Spanish or Portuguese Caravel.
Researched, designed and constructed by Graeme Wylie over an 11 year period.
Constructed from Monterey Cypress saved from the bonfires on south-west Victorian farms.
Launched in 2011.
Length - 17.5 m Beam - 5.5 m Draught - 2.1 m Ballast - 12 tonnes bluestone
The Lateen Rig, borrowed from the Arab Dhow, improved windward sailing and was more easily handled by a small crew.
Steering by an upright tiller extension called a Whipstaff as steering wheels had not been invented at that time.
These ships were used by European explorers to discover a route to plunder the riches of the East.
Caravels were favoured by pirates for their speed, agility and large holds.
I spoke to the owner Graeme and he told me that it is coming back to Nelson Bay next weekend.
I took this photo today from the top of the Queens Wharf Tower.
It has been a beautiful day, with glorious sunshine and much warmer than it has been over the last week.
Lovely point of view, focus and detail, the Notorious created quite a lot of interest with the locals I see, thanks for the links and narrative Babs really add to your image:)
@pcoulson I think quite a lot of people have checked it out over the last few days. It has been here at Queens Wharf for three days and Graeme (the owner and builder) told me that he is coming to Nelson Bay for three days next week.
I took his photo, so he will appear on my Friday people soon.
@gigiflower He was very interesting to talk to Sam. Such a labour of love building this vessel. He said he researched it for two years and then it took him a further nine years to build.
@tonygig@hermann@gilbertwood@snowy@novab Thanks. I have seen this vessel a few times down here in the bay, but it is the first time that I have been able to go aboard. It is fantastic.
A very impressive vessel, lovely pov . So glad you enjoyed that lovely sunshine, something we haven't had a lot of over here lately although temps are a bit better at 15c today with a few hours sunshine, hurrah!!
Such a lovely craft....really quite small when you think of it. Very realistic recreation. Nice shot Babs. Hope all is well. Sorry to have been MIA...will get things up and going again....
@salza Thanks Sally. It was lovely to be able to go aboard too. I have seen this boat moored at Shoal Bay a few times, but purely social visits in the past.
What an interesting vessel! That would be neat to tour. As I write this Saturday morning, they're tossing a big boat in this morning at my workplace, a day early! I'm driving home today from my wonderful 2 weeks with the twins, and STILL going to miss the tossing! What is it about boats that is so fascinating?
July 9th, 2016
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
I took his photo, so he will appear on my Friday people soon.