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Southwind

Vessel numberHV000551

Datec 1951

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 8.23 m (27 ft)

DescriptionSOUTHWIND is an 8.23m (27 foot) long AG Williams’ cruiser from about 1951. It is carvel planked in New Zealand kauri. It features a typical Williams’ hull shape for that post –war period with a forward raked, slightly clipper shaped stem profile, moderate flare to the hull forward and a curved sheerline that becomes horizontal at the transom. The cabin top over the saloon is slightly curved down at the front while the lower line of the cabin side windows curves upwards, a typical Williams’ feature. It was built with a large open cockpit aft. This styling shares some features of the pre-war period as seen on (WARATAH HV000157), in particular the combination of curves to the cabin side, but the different features show how Williams adapted their designs to match contemporary styling.

SOUTHWIND has always been used for recreational purposes as a private motor launch. AG Williams were well known for their many motor launches and shared a growing market competing with Holmes and the Halvorsen boatyards for clients during the 1930s and again after World War II.

The hull and superstructure remain in largely original condition, having been maintained over the years and it is now powered by a Yanmar diesel engine.

SignificanceSOUTHWIND is an early 1950s recreational motor cruiser built by the well-known AG Williams boat yard in Drummoyne, Sydney. It shows their changed styling for this period, which had evolved from the raised deck craft of the 1940s to a more streamlined curved sheer line, a slightky raked stem, and a forward trunk cabin arrangement.