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SOUTHWIND in 2012
Southwind
SOUTHWIND in 2012
SOUTHWIND in 2012
Private Collection

Southwind

Vessel numberHV000551
Datec 1951
DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 8.23 m (27 ft)
DescriptionSOUTHWIND is an 8.23m (27 foot) long AG Williams’ cruiser from about 1951. It is carvel planked in New Zealand kauri. It features a typical Williams’ hull shape for that post –war period with a forward raked, slightly clipper shaped stem profile, moderate flare to the hull forward and a curved sheerline that becomes horizontal at the transom. The cabin top over the saloon is slightly curved down at the front while the lower line of the cabin side windows curves upwards, a typical Williams’ feature. It was built with a large open cockpit aft. This styling shares some features of the pre-war period as seen on (WARATAH HV000157), in particular the combination of curves to the cabin side, but the different features show how Williams adapted their designs to match contemporary styling.

SOUTHWIND has always been used for recreational purposes as a private motor launch. AG Williams were well known for their many motor launches and shared a growing market competing with Holmes and the Halvorsen boatyards for clients during the 1930s and again after World War II.

The hull and superstructure remain in largely original condition, having been maintained over the years and it is now powered by a Yanmar diesel engine.

SignificanceSOUTHWIND is an early 1950s recreational motor cruiser built by the well-known AG Williams boat yard in Drummoyne, Sydney. It shows their changed styling for this period, which had evolved from the raised deck craft of the 1940s to a more streamlined curved sheer line, a slightky raked stem, and a forward trunk cabin arrangement.
WINNIE TOO at the Classic and Wooden Boat Festival 2012
A G Williams
c 1942
SIESTA  on a slipway in South Australia, date unknown
A G Williams
1935
SEA IMP at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in 2009
A G Williams
1939
FRANCESCA in 2009 on the Derwent River, Tasmania
A G Williams
1927
WARATAH in its marina berth in 2007 and showing a typical Williams style of superstructure.
A G Williams
1938
KATHLEEN GILLETT racing in Gaffer's Day 2004 on Sydney Harbour.
Colin Archer
1939
MAHITA on the slips for maintenance showing the typical Williams flare at the bow, and cabin de…
A G Williams
1939
Skirmish
Bluey Williams
1969
FAIRLIE II in 2005
Robert Inches
1899
CLARA in its original yacht configuration as a gaff cutter.
Thomas Williams
1892
CHERANA in 2010
Trevor Gowland
1959
Streeter
Alf Morgan