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LADY HOPETOUN on an excursion on Sydney Harbour in 2005.
Lady Hopetoun
LADY HOPETOUN on an excursion on Sydney Harbour in 2005.
LADY HOPETOUN on an excursion on Sydney Harbour in 2005.
Photographer Alan Edenborough, reproduced courtesy of the Sydney Heritage Fleet

Lady Hopetoun

Vessel numberHV000004
Designer (1861-1925)
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.
SY ENA at the ANMM March 2014
WM Ford Boatbuilders
1900
The LADY DENMAN housed undercover at Huskisson, NSW in 2006.
Walter Reeks
1911
BONA  in 1905 under full sail, an image from an album of original photos taken during a cruise …
Walter Reeks
1903
SHONA on Pittwater, around the mid 1920s.
Walter Reeks
1911
MAY QUEEN, June 2012
Alexander Lawson
1867
EGERIA on display at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart in  2009
Purdon and Featherstone
1941
SEA SCOUT on the Great Barrier Reef in 2004, acting as a research and dive vessel.
Walter Reeks
1923
Bow View
Samuel White and Co. UK
1904
On Sydney Harbour , date unknown
Lars Halvorsen Sons Pty Ltd
1931
RUTHEAN on Sydney Harbour in a good nor-east breeze, date unknown.
J Jones
1952
An early morning view of the collier STEPHEN BROWN as it is in 2006, moored in Launceston and o…
Hall Russell and Co Pty Ltd
1954
BLACKMORE'S FIRST LADY is now on display in the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Laurie Davidson
1984