Images(2)

Jenny

Vessel numberHV000594

Previous NumberHV*

Builder N & E Towns

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 5.5 m x 1.52 m (18.05 ft x 4.99 ft)

Terms

DescriptionJENNY was built at George Towns at N & E Towns Dempsey Island shed, and then owned by the brothers firm which was one of the principal small craft boatbuilders in the region for a number of decades. The hull is clinker construction, the most common method used for small craft in this period. The hull has a slightly raked bow profile and a transom stern, with rounded hull sections featuring a softly curved, high bilge section shape, typical for many rowing skiffs.

It has seven planks per side, with light section frames at around 175mm spacing. There are four thwarts, with the middle pair used for rowing. The bow thwart has one knee while the remaining thwarts have double knees and all knees finish at the gunwale edge of the planking. There is no inwale or sheer clamp and the riser runs full length. The aft thwart has a removable seat back. The boat is fitted with a rudder, yoke and steering lines.The hull is painted cream throughout with varnished transom, thwarts, risers, knees and floor boards.

From 1907 to 1930 JENNY was used as a “pennant Boat” at regattas on Hawkesbury and Hunter Rivers as well as being used as a training skiff by Newcastle Olympics identities, the Hyde Brothers. From 1930 to 1955 the boat was unused and stored in a boat shed at Marks Point on Lake Macquarie. It was then owned and used by William Cullen, Carrington from 1956 to 1982 who partially refurbished the boat in 1956. In 1982 it was purchased by Robert Lord, Nords Wharf, Lake Macquarie and used for recreational rowing. During 1985-86 it was restored to “as new” condition at Marmong Cove, Lake Macquarie and used as a long boat at the Bicentenary celebrations on Lake Macquarie

The craft is now part of the Newcastle Museum's extensive regional small craft collection which includes a number of Towns built craft, and was formerly part of the Newcastle Maritime Museum collection. .

SignificanceThe Newcastle Maritime Museum’s clinker rowing skiff JENNY was built by N & E Towns in Newcastle at an unknown date. It has the typical shape and proportions for an easily driven rowing hull, and the type was then very common throughout sheltered waters around Australia. Towns built many of these craft, and a modest number are known to remain extant.