ALBATROSS ferrying passengers and cargo between a flying boat and the shore on Lord Howe Island…

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Launching ALBATROSS in 1936, Beth Kirby smashes a champagne bottle across the vessel's bow.

Albatross

Vessel numberHV000002

Vessel Registration Number16991

Vessel Registration NumberLHIMPCAG(Z)

Builder Syd Perry (1880-1957)

Date1936

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 9.12 m x 2.75 m x 0.71 m, 5 tonnes (29.92 ft x 9.02 ft x 2.33 ft, 5.08 tons)
Engine dimensions: 95.25 x 88.9 mm, 19.4Kilowatts, 3No. (3.74 x 3.49 in., 26.02Horsepower)

DescriptionALBATROSS was built on the island by Sydney shipwright Syd Perry, in typical carvel planked fashion using Oregon planking on spotted gum frames. A shed and slipway were made for it at the same time. The shed burned down in the early 1970s and the slipway deteriorated; now only a few remnants of it are occasionally unearthed.

ALBATROSS has performed many tasks. It was built as an excursion vessel for fishing trips around the island and to Balls Pyramid, other sightseeing trips and for guest picnics on the lagoon. Later ALBATROSS was one of the boats that ferried passengers and cargo from trading vessels and the regular flying boat service which connected the island to the mainland.

In the 1990s ALBATROSS featured in a promotional photo shoot for the 'Katies' fashion label. In 2006 it is operating as a fishing and excursion vessel, but not out to Balls Pyramid.

The only major incident occurred soon after launching in 1936 when ALBATROSS survived being swept onto rocks at one end of the lagoon during a fierce storm. It was refloated with little damage.

ALBATROSS was modified in the 1960s with a wheelhouse added over the rounded front cabin, and the original twin petrol engine installation was replaced with a single diesel motor. In 1977 major repairs and restoration were carried out by Sydney shipwright Jim Dempsey. Subsequently ALBATROSS was put in survey. It has complied with annual survey requirements ever since and in 2006 ALBATROSS was in survey for 24 persons when operating inside lagoon, 6 persons up to 1 nautical mile to sea, and 4 persons up to 10 nautical miles seaward.

SignificanceThe timber motor launch ALBATROSS was built in 1936 on Lord Howe Island, off the coast of NSW. It is one of the few vessels to have been built on the island. It has remained there in continuous service, creating a very strong association with the community and tourists.It has strong connections to the island as a transport and sightseeing vessel, adapting its role to the gradual changes that have taken place in the community. ALBATROSS has always been owned by the same family who first settled on Lord Howe Island in 1842.