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Edelweiss

Vessel numberHV000641

Builder J Hayes & Sons

Date1908

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 9.14 m (30 ft)

DescriptionEDELWEISS was built for Adolph Heinrich in 1908. The builders, Hayes and Sons later moved from Balmain to Careening Cove in Sydney, and were well known builders in this period being one of a number engaged in building small motor launches. This was the first decade in which motor launches become established as typical small craft. The 9.14m long launch is carvel planked in New Zealand kauri, and has teak deck. It has a plumb stem and fantail counter, and was fitted with an enclosed forward cabin and canopy over the engine and open aft cockpit area. Heinrich had a Frisco Standard petrol engine installed and used EDELWEISS on Sydney Harbour. .

The Matthie family bought EDELWEISS in 1957 and used the launch to tend oyster leases at Lime Kiln Bay on the Georges River, NSW. John Mann purchased it in 1969 and installed a restored 1895 built Plenty & Sons steam engine. The launch was then known as SL RYALSTON. Subsequent owners were steam enthusiasts and it has often attended regional boat festivals and other events in NSW. In 1974 it had a role in in the ABC TV mini-series “Seven Little Australians”.

The current owner bought the launch from its owner in Murwillumbah and has moved it down to Geelong on Port Phillip.

SignificanceEDELWEISS is launch built by Hayes and Sons at Balmain in 1908. It was originally fitted with a petrol motor. From 1970 onwards it has been fitted with a steam engine and although fitted with this alternate engine the hull remains in original condition and represents typical small boat construction of the early 1900s.