Images(5)

JENNY WREN on the slips in 2004, showing its distinct deep keeled underbody that is typical o…

This image from the ANMM William Hall collection appears likely to be of the JENNY WREN . It ha…

A re-creation of the original rig plan based on published dimesnions of the rig and actual dime…

Jenny Wren

Vessel numberJW000001

Sail Number49

Designer Walter Reeks (1861-1925)

Vessel type The Small Raters

Builder Thomas Cubitt

Date1889

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 8.53 m x 6.1 m x 1.83 m x 1.68 m (28 ft x 20 ft x 6 ft x 5.5 ft)
Registered Dimensions: 7.4 m x 1.88 m x 1.55 m, 3.99 Tons (24.25 ft x 6.2 ft x 5.1 ft)
Engine dimensions: 6 kilowatts, 2 cylinders (8.05 horsepower)

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Neville Olliffe and Madeleine Rowles-Olliffe

DescriptionJENNY WREN is a wooden gaff cutter that was designed and built in 1889 as one of the first vessels for the new 2 & 1/2 Rater class that was adopted by the Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Sydney. It was built by Thomas Cubitt in Berry's Bay, Sydney. Cubitt was formerly a shipwright with WM Ford boatbuilders located nearby in Berry's Bay. A sister ship LOUELLE and two other similar designs by Reeks called NORNA and ASTROEA were also built by Cubitt in 1889 and 1890 for the same class.

JENNY WREN had a briefly successful career before two new and very different designs from England joined the others and then dominated the 2 & 1/2 Rater class. At this point the crews from the earlier boats lost interest in racing as a separate class, and soon the 2 & 1/2 Rater class disbanded. JENNY WREN then raced occasionally in mixed fleets and eventually spent more time as a cruising boat. With a succession of owners it underwent various modifications, including the installation of an engine and a small cabin house.

JENNY WREN's longevity was a source of surprise for years. Seacraft Magazine February 1959 has an interview with Skipper Rayment, a respected old timer on Sydney Harbour.

' I asked the "Skipper" whether he knew JENNY WREN's full history, at the same time letting drop that the old Jenny was still sailing around Sydney Harbour.
"JENNY WREN?" he exclaimed. "Don't tell me!"
" I remember- it must have been about 1920 - going to look at JENNY WREN with the idea of buying her. She's a true plank on edge, you know - the traditional lead mine. And she was as old as the hills even then!"

In 2006 JENNY WREN now has a new gaff rig and other changes to the hull, deck and layout. In 2013 its Stuart Turner petrol engine was replaced with a 10hp Nanni diesel. Despite these modifications over time JENNY WREN still captures the appearance and essential sailing qualities of a deep keeled yacht of the 19th century.