RANGER sailing up Sydney Harbour near the heads and showing the very efficient sail plan.

Images(4)

RANGER racing on Sydney Harbour in the 2004 World series.

Ranger

Vessel numberHV000034

Sail NumberA1

Vessel Registration NumberGALEAIN

Builder CAM Fisher and Sons

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.