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Kodama

Vessel numberHV000817

Designer J J Savage

Builder Ryan Brothers

Date1962

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 21.33 m × 17.07 m × 2.4 m, 36 tonnes (70 ft × 56 ft × 7.87 ft, 35.42 tons)

DescriptionKodama is a 60ft gaff rigged schooner designed by Jack Savage, the word ‘kodama’ in Japanese referring to spirits that inhabit trees. Kodama was built in 1962 at the Ryan Brothers shipyard in Taree, and is an excellent example of mid twentieth century gaff rigged schooner construction. Its carvel planked hull was constructed using 2” spotted gum planks on 3” x 4” spotted gum frames, fastened with copper rivets and roves, and cotton and oakum caulked. Kodama’s masts are made of Oregon Pine, and deck of Australian beech. Its keel is cut from a 50” piece of ironbark. There is a wheelhouse with cockpit on deck, and the vessel is guided by hydraulic steering. It is one of the first small craft to have a Hundested controllable pitch propeller. Kodama is rigged as a square topsail schooner, with fore and aft topsails. At 36 tonnes, Kodama was built to cope with severe conditions at sea.

The construction of Kodama at the Ryan Brothers shipyard in Taree is unique, with most Savage designs from the period built and the Savage family boatyard in Williamstown Victoria. The Savage family business was established in 1898 in Middle Park Victoria by John Joseph Savage with a focus on construction of timber yachts of up to 100ft. His sons Jack and Tom then took on the business. Jack and Tom split their business partnership in the early 70s. At this time, the company was running three factories, two in Victoria and one in Sydney – making cruisers, aluminium boats and fibreglass runabouts. As of 2021 the Savage boatbuilding name continues under the ownership of Telwater with a focus on aluminium craft, and with John Savage, grandson of founder JJ Savage, custodian of the business.

Kodama was commissioned by John Rivers following his period of service during World War Two. The vessel features a tank shell, dated 1942, and an ANZAC pin from Rivers. Kodama was involved in the Tall Ships bicentenary sail in 1988. It is claimed the Ryan Brothers built ships similar to Kodama for the RAN, RN, and United States Navy during World War Two.

As of 2021 Kodama is undergoing maintenance, following on from a period of non-use for ten years. Kodama’s hull, deck and superstructure are all original and in good condition, the spars, rigging and sails are partially restored and in good condition. Minor areas of rot have been targeted. The gearbox component of its inboard Gardner 180hp diesel engine was replaced in 2020 with the same model as the original, and it is in good functioning condition.

Kodama is being restored for use as part of a non for profit traditional sailing and wooden boatbuilding club. A particular focus will be taken on the methods used to build Kodama.

“The sailing club will be focused on teaching our members on a routine basis how to sail and care for vessels like Kodama in the hopes of establishing interest in Australia’s maritime history, we will sail her as often and as fully as we can”

SignificanceKodama is a 60ft gaff rigged schooner designed by Jack Savage and built in 1962 by the Ryan Brothers in Taree. It is a rare example of a Savage design constructed outside of their Williamstown boatyard. It is currently used as part of a non for profit sailing and boatbuilding club. At 36 tonnes Kodama was built of solid construction in order to endure tough conditions at sea. Its carvel planked hull was constructed using 2” spotted gum planks on 3” x 4” spotted gum frames, fastened with copper rivets and roves, and cotton and oakum caulked, its keel is cut from a 50” piece of ironbark. Kodama is one of the first small craft to have a Hundestad controllable pitch propeller.