HOI PHOON in 2007. The rounded cabin front is visible just aft of the mast, with a high foreha…

Images(4)

This study of HOI PHOON shows off its elegant sheer that begins with a high seaworthy stem curv…

Hoi Phoon

Vessel numberHV000141

Vessel Registration NumberJB560N

Sail NumberMH 60

Builder CAM Fisher and Sons

Date1940

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 9.75 m x 8.53 m x 3.2 m x 1.68 m (32 ft x 28 ft x 10.5 ft x 5.5 ft)

DescriptionHOI PHOON was built by CAM Fisher and Sons for Alva Likely, who also designed the yacht himself. It was the only design he ever did, and the lines were taken from a carved half-model. The yacht was launched in 1940, and it became well known around Middle Harbour NSW.

Eventually the yacht passed into the hands of Alva's son Frank Likely, who was also a well known sailor and operated a boatshed in Sailor's Bay at Northbridge on Middle Harbour.

The craft is very strongly built and a fine example of the high standards set by Billy Fisher and his sons. The Huon pine planking is fastened to spotted gum frames, supported by large grown tea tree floors. An interesting detail is that the planking butts all land on frames; there are no butt blocks in the hull at all. The rounded cabin front is typical of the period and often featured on many Sydney Amateur Sailing Club yachts. It is 460mm (18 in) high and the sides and front are steamed right around in one piece, a work of art in itself.

HOI PHOON is a Bermudan rigged ketch and remains in good condition. It is an excellent example of a small but robust sea going yacht from the late 1930s. The name HOI PHOON means 'gentle breeze' or 'sea breeze' and is believed to have come from the time Alva spent on tramp steamers in south-east Asian waters in the 1930s.

SignificanceHOI PHOON is a wooden yacht built in NSW in 1940. It is a significant example of a yacht built by Billy Fisher at his La Perouse boat yard in NSW.