LADY HOPETOUN on an excursion on Sydney Harbour in 2005.

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The LADY HOPETOUN on Sydney Harbour in 2006.

Lady Hopetoun

Vessel numberHV000004

Designer Walter Reeks (1861-1925)

Previous owner Sydney Harbour Trust

Owner Sydney Heritage Fleet

Builder WM Ford Boatbuilders

Previous owner Maritime Services Board of New South Wales

Date1902

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 23.47 m x 4.22 m x 2.06 m, 29.52 tonnes (77.01 ft x 13.85 ft x 6.76 ft, 29.05 tons)
Registered Dimensions: 38.8Tons
Engine dimensions: 254 mm, 16.06Kilowatts, 3No. (9.98 in., 21.54Horsepower)

DescriptionLADY HOPETOUN's wooden hull is just under 23.5 metres long. It is carvel planked in New Zealand kauri on hard wood frames. It has a simple plumb stem and elegant overhanging counter and sheerline. The funnel is raked slightly and the vessel profile has a classic style. The cabin structure on deck houses the helm and covers the engine and boiler, under the foredeck is limited seating and accommodation. the aft deck is covered by the canopy extending off the cabin top. It is powered by a triple expansion steam engine.

The builder, WM Ford was one of the premier builders in this period, while naval architect Walter Reeks was the principal vessel designer in Sydney and both worked together on a number of yachts and other vessels from the late 1880s through to the 1920s.

LADY HOPETOUN was used as the vice-regal and VIP steam yacht by the NSW Government through the Sydney Harbour Trust and its successor the Maritime Services Board of NSW for decades. It was a very well known sight on the Harbour and remained in service until well into the early 1960s. It was replaced by the CAPTAIN PHILLIP.

When the vessel was retired from service a group of enthusiasts negotiated to take over the craft. It became the founding vessel for the Sydney Maritime Museum. LADY HOPETOUN was restored by volunteers from the Sydney Maritime Museum over a long period which included considerable work on the machinery.

The museum is now known as the Sydney Heritage Fleet and in 2006 they maintain LADY HOPETOUN in excellent operating condition on Sydney Harbour, where it is available for charter cruises.
SignificanceLADY HOPETOUN is an Edwardian steam launch built in nSW in 1902. It was designed by Walter Reeks and built by WM Ford at Berrys Bay, Sydney. LADY HOPETOUN carried many VIP passengers during its service with the NSW Government and has had a close association with Sydney Harbour throughout its operational life. It remains in operating condition and is in reguar use on Sydney Harbour, and is a rare example of a steam powered vessel from this period.