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Fitzroy

Vessel numberHV000822

Previous owner Cockatoo Island Dockyard

Builder Cockatoo Island Dockyard

Date1928

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 9.14 m × 0.61 m (30 ft × 2 ft)

DescriptionFitzroy is a 30ft launch built in 1928 for use as a ferry at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard in Sydney. It was designed by prominent naval architect David Carment, and built by apprentices at Cockatoo Island. Its construction came at a time in the 1920s when several vessels were constructed for dockyard use. These included a workshop punt and hopper barge, and later in 1932 the well-known floating crane Titan. Fitzroy’s hull is constructed of spotted gum.

Fitzroy was originally built with a large 2 stroke engine set further forward in the hull of the vessel. This engine was likely a 2 stroke Crossley diesel, with an exhaust point that exited through the roof. The engine was connected to two large gas canisters which were charged with compressed air and used to turn over and start the engine. This was called direct air start. To reverse the vessel, the engine was stopped and run in reverse. The engine further included a keel cooling system, with coolant circulated through a system of tubing outside the vessels hull.

David Carment worked as a naval architect at Cockatoo Island from 1916 until his retirement in 1954. During World War Two he was responsible for design and drawing work for the Queen Mary and a number of US cruisers that were undergoing conversion and repair. Later in his career Carment became head teacher for the naval architecture diploma course at Sydney Technical College, and played a part in the establishment of the naval architecture degree at the University of New South Wales. He was also a yachting enthusiast, issuing the measurement certificate for the Australian America’s Cup Challenger GRETEL in 1962.

Fitzroy operated on Cockatoo Island from 1928 until 1963. It was sold in 1963 and replaced a year later by a 40ft workboat built in Williamstown, also named Fitzroy that stayed in operation at the shipyard until 1992. Fitzroy (1928 build) subsequently passed through a succession of private owners and was renamed Burgundy Belle, from 2000-2010 residing in Pittwater. In 2008 it was fitted with a Volvo Penta 40HP engine, and painted a heritage green at Rowell Marine in Newport. Since renamed Fitzroy, the vessel has moved from Gymea Bay, Taren Point, to its current location in McCarrs Creek, Pittwater as of 2021. Fitzroy is now painted in white and is used weekly, in 2021 taking part in the Woody Point Yacht Club putt putt race.
SignificanceFitzroy is a 30ft launch that was built in 1928 as a ferry at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard in Sydney. It was designed by prominent naval architect David Carment, and built by apprentices at the shipyard. Fitzroy’s hull is constructed of spotted gum, and it was originally fitted with a large 2 stroke engine set forward in the vessel. Fitzroy’s construction came at a time in the 1920s when several vessels were constructed for dockyard use, including a workshop punt and hopper barge. The launch served at Cockatoo Island until 1963, before passing through a succession of private owners. In 2008 it was fitted with a Volvo Penta 40HP engine, and painted a heritage green at Rowell Marine in Newport. As of 2021 the vessel has been renamed Fitzroy, painted white, and is used weekly at McCarrs Creek.