A crowd of people aboard YELTA in its new role as an excursion vessel at Port Adelaide SA.

Images(2)

Yelta

Vessel numberHV000139

Vessel Registration Number11411

Previous owner Adelaide Steamship Company Limited (1875 - 1977)

Builder Cockatoo Island Dockyard

Designer Cockatoo Island Dockyard

Date1949

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 30.48 m x 28.5 m x 7.62 m x 3.81 m, 344.49 tonnes (100 ft x 93.5 ft x 25 ft x 12.5 ft, 350 tons)
Registered Dimensions: 28.95 m x 7.62 m, 230 tons (95 ft x 25 ft)

DescriptionThe steel construction, steam tug YELTA was built in 1949 from a design that was prepared by Cockatoo Dockyard staff in the yard's design and drafting section. It was built for Adelaide Steamship Company and spent the next 27 years berthing craft and towing them in and out of Port Adelaide. YELTA was retired in November 1976 as South Australia’s last fully operational steam tug.

In 1985 it was restored to its former glory by an army of skilled volunteers and now has pride of place on the water at the South Australian Maritime Museum.

Since YELTA's restoration in 1985 young and old have been given the unique opportunity to marvel at the workings of a triple expansion steam engine as well as enjoy cruises on the Port River. It cruises the Port on a regular basis throughout the year, taking visitors on dolphin-seeking trips as well as offering passengers the chance to discover the historic wharves, sheds, factories and industries situated along the river including the Submarine Corporation, Torrens Island and Quarantine Station.

YELTA remains in excellent operating condition and is one of a select few ex-commercial steam vessels remaining afloat around Australia.

Prepared from material supplied by the South Australian Maritime Museum.
SignificanceYELTA is a stelel plated steam tug built in NSW. It is a rare example of a steam tug designed and built at Cockatoo Dockyard in Sydney, and remains operational. It was built for use in South Australia.