Jenny Wren
Vessel numberHV000024
Sail Number49
Builder
Thomas Cubitt
Vessel type
The Small Raters
Designer
Walter Reeks
(1861-1925)
Date1889
DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 8.53 m x 6.1 m x 1.83 m x 1.68 m (28 ft x 20 ft x 6 ft x 5.5 ft)
Registered Dimensions: 7.4 m x 1.88 m x 1.55 m, 3.99 Tons (24.25 ft x 6.2 ft x 5.1 ft)
Engine dimensions: 6 kilowatts, 2 cylinders (8.05 horsepower)
Registered Dimensions: 7.4 m x 1.88 m x 1.55 m, 3.99 Tons (24.25 ft x 6.2 ft x 5.1 ft)
Engine dimensions: 6 kilowatts, 2 cylinders (8.05 horsepower)
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Neville Olliffe
Terms
- partially restored hull
- substantially modified deck
- substantially modified superstructure
- partially restored layout
- partially restored rigging
- substantially modified sails
- substantial modified gearbox
- cutter
- yacht
- Onions Point
- carvel
- timber
- timber planked
- timber plywood
- timber planked
- displacement
- monohull
- overhanging stem
- overhanging transom
- round bottom
- full keel
- external
- lead
- decked with cockpit
- cabin
- tiller
- cutter
- gaff
- synthetic
- timber
- auxiliary motor
- inboard
- diesel
- single
- floating
- operational
- photos
- news clippings
- sport/recreation
- type/use
- class
- period
- designer
JENNY WREN had a briefly successful career before two new and very different designs from England joined the others and then dominated the 2 & 1/2 Rater class. At this point the crews from the earlier boats lost interest in racing as a separate class, and soon the 2 & 1/2 Rater class disbanded. JENNY WREN then raced occasionally in mixed fleets and eventually spent more time as a cruising boat. With a succession of owners it underwent various modifications, including the installation of an engine and a small cabin house.
JENNY WREN's longevity was a source of surprise for years. Seacraft Magazine February 1959 has an interview with Skipper Rayment, a respected old timer on Sydney Harbour.
' I asked the "Skipper" whether he knew JENNY WREN's full history, at the same time letting drop that the old Jenny was still sailing around Sydney Harbour.
"JENNY WREN?" he exclaimed. "Don't tell me!"
" I remember- it must have been about 1920 - going to look at JENNY WREN with the idea of buying her. She's a true plank on edge, you know - the traditional lead mine. And she was as old as the hills even then!"
In 2006 JENNY WREN now has a new gaff rig and other changes to the hull, deck and layout. In 2013 its Stuart Turner petrol engine was replaced with a 10hp Nanni diesel. Despite these modifications over time JENNY WREN still captures the appearance and essential sailing qualities of a deep keeled yacht of the 19th century.
SignificanceJENNY WREN is a racing yacht built in 1889 by Thomas Cubitt in Berrys Bay NSW. It is one of the oldest racing yachts still extant in Australia. It was designed by Walter Reeks and is possibly the only existing racing yacht design by Reeks that still survives. It is a very early Australian and probably international example of a Length Waterline and Sail area rule designed yacht. This rule was introduced in 1886/87 and encouraged greater beam compared to the earlier narrow hulls often termed 'plank on edge'. It is a regular feature at many heritage yacht regattas, complimenting both AKARANA (HV000013) and KELPIE from 1893 and together they provide one of the few groups of similar vintage craft sailing in Australia.
Vessel Highlights
