SIESTA on a slipway in South Australia, date unknown

Images(5)

SIESTA on a truck in Sydney, about to begin the road journey to South Australia

The launching of KINGAR as reported in the International Power Boat and Aquatic Monthly.

Siesta

Vessel numberHV000289

Vessel Registration NumberBU 395

Designer A G Williams

Builder A G Williams

Date1935

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 10.2 m x 9.3 m x 2.7 m x 0.8 m, 9.28 tonnes (33.47 ft x 30.51 ft x 8.86 ft x 2.62 ft, 9.43 tons)

DescriptionThe 10.2 metre (33 feet) long cruiser is planked in New Zealand kauri and was launched as KINGAR for Mr & Mrs W K Garnsey, members of the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Rose Bay, Sydney. Its history is not well documented and the Australian Register of British Ships pages show only that it went through a succession of five owners in Sydney during the 1940s. During this period the name was changed to JUBILEE STAR. Sometime after 1952 it was taken to South Australia and Lake Alexandrina.

The cruiser's launching ceremony in Sydney, however, was well documented in the May 1935 issue of the Sydney journal, International Power Boat and Aquatic Monthly. This is a testament to the standing of the builders AG Williams in what was then a competitive market for Sydney builders.

The magazine, whose editors never missed an opportunity to promote products, noted it was luxuriously fitted, powered by a 56 hp Gray engine, and carried a Kreisler wireless and Coleman stove. The report described the day:

'After the christening ceremony, the Gray motor soon ticked over, and the first port of call was the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Rose Bay. All of the visitors were entertained at the club house by the host and hostess: and toasts were celebrated to the happy and enjoyable days in the KINGAR. There is no doubt that a surprise speed will be accounted for when the Gray engine is properly tuned up. The KINGAR glided through the water splendidly, and during the cruise everything was going splendid, until . . .' . The story then goes off at a tangent to describe a mishap to a guest, as though it was the feature of the passage to the club, then returns to focus on KINGAR, noting the builders expected 'KINGAR to be one of the winners of events before the season closes'.

In 2009 the vessel remained in good condition with minor repairs to the superstructure and deck. It shows the characteristic styling of a Williams launch with its wheelhouse adjacent to the beginning of the raised deck, with a lower saloon aft cockpit at the transom. Higher guardrails have been fitted forward, and the raised cabin top over the aft cockpit lowered to align with the saloon cabin top.

SignificanceSIESTA is a motor cruiser built in 1935 by AG Williams in Drummoyne, New South Wales, well known in that period for quality launches and motor craft. It has had some minor repairs and modifications undertaken during its 70 year lifespan but retains the typical Williams styling and craftsmanship of the mid-1930s. Although originally a Sydney boat, SIESTA has spent almost 60 years on Lake Alexandrina, South Australia.