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RANGER sailing up Sydney Harbour near the heads and showing the very efficient sail plan.
Ranger
RANGER sailing up Sydney Harbour near the heads and showing the very efficient sail plan.
RANGER sailing up Sydney Harbour near the heads and showing the very efficient sail plan.
Photographer J.Jeremy

Ranger

Vessel numberHV000034
Sail NumberA1
Vessel Registration NumberGALEAIN
Date1933
DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 7.42 m x 2.87 m x 1.37 m, 3.64 tonnes (24.33 ft x 9.42 ft x 4.5 ft, 3.7 tons)
Engine dimensions: 16.5Kilowatts, 3 No. (22.13Horsepower)
DescriptionRANGER is just over 7 metres long and was built in 1933 by Billy Fisher at La Perouse, to a design by Cliff Gale, who was a self-taught boat designer. It was his last boat and has remained with the family. RANGER has been raced continuously by the Gales with the SASC since 1936, never missing a season.

The design represents the classic raised deck style of craft that has been popular throughout Australia. It is also an excellent example of traditional plank on frame construction using the best available local materials. The shape and construction methods both show the influence of Australian workboats. Cliff Gale had previously owned the JUNE BIRD, an early Sydney Harbour design that was heavily influenced by the Victorian couta boat. The high peaked gaff rig has been optimised with modern sail cloth and even a carbon fibre yard.

There is close competition and friendly rivalry amongst all the RANGER class boats and each year they have a 'World' series with many top skippers invited to sail on the boats.

In 2006 RANGER is maintained in top condition and is one of the feature yachts in classic sailing regattas and events on Sydney Harbour.
SignificanceRANGER is a wooden yacht built in NSW in 1933. The gaff rigged yacht has been a well known vessel on Sydney Harbour for decades through its long association with the Gale family. RANGER also started a small class of near sisterships based around its original design, and this class of about nine craft represents a type of small, simple cruising yacht that was popular in this period. The fleet of craft have become an important part of the yachts racing with the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club.
CHERUB sailing in 2009 with its restored gaff rig
CAM Fisher and Sons
1948
JUNE BIRD in 2005 at its moorings, the couta boat stem and  sheerline stand out in this image.
J Hayes & Sons
1914
MALUKA believed to be on the upper reaches of the Hawkesbury River in the 1930s.
CAM Fisher and Sons
1932
FIDELIS in 2012 during a mid week race on the harbour.
Lidgard Boatbuilders
1964
ANITRA V on Sydney Harbour
Lars Halvorsen Sons Pty Ltd
1956
NELL under restoration
CAM Fisher and Sons
1922
BERRIMA  in 2009 at Wharf 7 Darling Harbour NSW.
CAM Fisher and Sons
1955
CANOBIE in the early period of in racing career in Hobart
William Hand Jnr
1912
MAYA on Sydney Harbour sailing with SASC
Alfred Cuthbertson
1929
WAYFARER at the start of the 1945 Sydney to Hobart race, sailing out the heads with the small f…
Charles Larson
1940
HOI PHOON in 2007. The rounded cabin front is visible just aft of the mast, with a  high foreha…
CAM Fisher and Sons
1940