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EOS

Vessel numberHV000836

Designer John Laurent Giles

Builder David Linton

Builder Tom Flower

Date1956

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 10.2 m × 1.64 m, 7.11 tonnes (33.47 ft × 5.38 ft, 7 tons)

DescriptionEOS is a 33.5ft Brittany Class yacht built in 1956 in Seaforth NSW by David Linton and Tom Flower. It was built in the middle of the shops at Sydney road Seaforth, before being lofted on the local church hall floor. In May 1956 EOS was lifted by crane onto a low loader and transported by truck to Clontarf at Middle Harbour for launching. The entire construction period took fifteen months, and is reflective of an era where ‘DIY’ boatbuilding was prevalent in a society impacted by the economic ramifications of World War Two.

The Brittany Class was originally designed in 1938 by highly regarded UK naval architect John Laurent Giles. The first of this class Bettine was launched in 1939 and won a cross channel race in its maiden year. Only nineteen Brittany Class yachts were built including two in Australia, which were modelled off an upgraded 1954 design. In line with this modification, the mast on EOS is stepped and supported by two steel compression posts in the saloon on either side of the central walkway - allowing full headroom all the way to the forepeak. EOS’s hull is constructed primarily of white beech over bronze floors.

EOS was launched in May 1956 at Clontarf, and shortly after became part of and raced with the Middle Harbour Yacht Club. EOS also took part in the Montague Island Yacht Race, and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in 1957, 1960 and 1994. In late 1979 EOS embarked on a voyage around the South Pacific and was damaged by tropical cyclone Paul, taking refuge at Lord Howe Island after two weeks of challenging conditions. Seven weeks later EOS made for Auckland New Zealand, then through the Cook Strait, back north to New Plymouth, and on to Fiji. The crew then headed on the Efate Island where EOS took part in an impromptu race with other cruising yachts, EOS winning and the race becoming a recognised event in the ocean racing calendar.

EOS underwent some modifications in the early 1990s in order to secure a Cat.1 certificate and participate in the 1994 Sydney to Hobart Race. EOS was the second smallest yacht to compete in the race that year, arriving in Constitution Dock after seven days at sea with six crew. As of 2022 EOS is in good condition and continues to participate in Sydney harbour races with Manly Yacht Club.

With assistance from Malcolm Lambe at Southern Wooden Boat Sailing
SignificanceEOS is a 33.5ft Brittany Class yacht built in 1956 and designed originally in 1938 by highly regarded UK naval architect John Laurent Giles. EOS has had a prolific ocean racing and cruising career, competing in three Sydney to Hobart Yacht races and undertaking an extensive voyage around the South Pacific in 1979-1980.