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Mistral II

Vessel numberHV000778

Builder WM Ford Boatbuilders

Designer John G Alden

Date1922

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 19.7 m × 14.4 m × 2.51 m, 39 tonnes (64.64 ft × 47.25 ft × 8.24 ft, 38.38 tons)

DescriptionMISTRAL II carvel planked in New Zealand kauri hull planking, with spotted gum internal structure, tea-tree knees and breast hooks, and copper sheathed to the waterline. The schooner rig was a popular in this period, it was an excellent sea going sail plan, and Alden created some of the most elegant designs for schooners, and they were built world-wide. Many were examples of his many Malabar designs, but MISTRAL II was a one-off custom design for Simpson.

The Australian Motor Boat and Yachting Monthly May 1 1925 carried a lengthy report on the yacht, some of which is quoted below:

“The subject of this article, the 50-ton cruiser, MISTRAL II, is owned by the Vice-Commodore of the Royal Sydney yacht Squadron Mr EP Simpson, whose affection and enthusiasm for yachting are not surpassed by anyone following the familiar white wings around the Australian coastline. This fine schooner is the work of one of Sydney’s best builders – Mr W Ford jun. of Berry’s Bay who completed her in 1922 to the order of her owner. In designing, comfort was aimed at, with the result that hardly and inch of space exists on the which has not been put to practical use.

Down-below is the last word in efficiency. The stairway leads to the dining saloon, which is comfortable fitted with lounges. An up-to-date library, stocked with the best yachting literature, is provided for the convenience of those on board. The walls are adorned with nautical pictures, many of which are fine studies of life on the ocean wave.

The construction and stability of this vessel prove the ability of Australian craftsmanship in yacht construction. There should be no need to go outside Australia in search of yacht builders, for MISTRAL II is an advertisement of which any Australia may feel proud. “

Under Simpson MISTRAL II was a common sight sailing in and around Sydney. MISTRAL II sailed in the first six Sydney to Hobart yacht races and is one of only four craft still known to be extant from the famous first race in 1945.

Subsequent owners after Simpson included Richard Morgan, Anthony Henderson and Arthur J Barnes, all from Sydney NSW.

This was the second yacht of that name for Simpson. His first MISTRAL was a ketch designed by Walter Reeks and built by Ford in 1912, but later sold to Melbourne and renamed CAPELLA. It came back to Sydney under the ownership of JM Hardie, but was stolen from its mooring and wrecked off the Heads in 1926.

a major restoration project just commenced in 2019 by its new owner, tall ship management of WINDEWARD BOUNDE in Tasmania, who have formed a charitable trust and plan to use it for sail training. The original teak laid decks will be restored, and the fit out rebuilt. The previous owner Ronald Burton had undertaken considerable preparation work for the vessels’ restoration, but sadly passed away before he could go to the next step. In the meantime, thanks to his work MISTRAL II has moved into new hands in an excellent state of preservation.

SignificanceMISTRAL II is a wooden yacht built in Sydney in 1922. The schooner was built in Berrys Bay Sydney at the well-known yard WM Ford Boatbuilders to a design by John G Alden from the USA, whose handsome and capable schooner designs were recognized around the world. It was built for Mr E.P. Simpson Vice-Commodore Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and used as a cruising and racing yacht for decades. MISTRAL II was one of the four extant yachts from the nine craft that took part in the first Sydney to Hobart yacht race.