Gnome
Vessel numberHV000804
Date1928
DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 7.5 m × 5.49 m × 2.1 m × 1.22 m (24.6 ft × 18 ft × 6.9 ft × 4 ft)
DescriptionGNOME was built by Percy Coverdale at Battery Point Tasmania and launched on the 16th of October 1928. It is one of the original Derwent "D" Classers - the first one design class to race on the Derwent River. The 25 ft (7.5 metre) long carvel planked hull was constructed from locally sourced Huon Pine.
The Derwent Class is a sloop-rigged yacht design from the drawing board of A C Barber, well-known Sydney naval architect. The class began in the late 1920s when local enthusiast Edwin Webster put up prize money for a design competiton to create a simple and inexpensive inshore racing yacht. Strict specifications and restrictions were set down, and of the nine designs received, Barber's was the unanimous choice. The judges then suggested further improvements to suit local conditions, and a local yachtsman Percy Douglas redrafted the suggested changes and AC Barber altered the plans to the yacht's final configuration. Webster had the first hull built. The yacht was called IMP and by early 1928 a small fleet was well established, GNOME following at the tail end of the year.
The Derwent Class fleet continued to grow with the sponsorship of the Derwent Sailing Squadron. The class helped sustain yachting in Tasmania, providing a pathway from dinghy and skiff sailing into the larger keel classes. With a large powerful rig, the Derwents made for exciting harbour racing. Generations of Hobart sailors from the 1930's right through to the 1980's honed their sailing on these fast and demanding yachts.
GNOME's original owners were Walter B Taylor and E.J. McCreary, Taylor retaining ownership until the late 1950s. Former Commodore of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania Les Garbiel has also been identified as an owner during the 1930s, along with Derek Adams. GNOME continues to race in the Hobart Combined Clubs Harbour Series on the river Derwent placing first in its group during a 2013 race. It is regarded as the oldest of the D class active today.
SignificanceGNOME is a wooden racing yacht built in Tasmania in 1928. It is an early example of the pioneering Derwent “D” Class yacht from Tasmania, an inexpensive inshore racing design developed by A C Barber. GNOME was the second D Class yacht to be built. This class helped sustain yachting in Tasmania, providing a pathway from dinghy and skiff sailing into the larger keel classes for many local sailors. GNOME passed through the ownership of Les Gabriel, former Commodore of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, and continues to race on the river Derwent today as one of the oldest of the D Class.
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