With sixty years working under sail behind her, the 90-foot, Walter Wilson-designed, gaff-rigged topsail schooner, Derwent Hunter, is claimed to be the last Australian vessel designed and built to work under sail. Her decades of adventuring cover everything from fishing and trading, oceanographic research, movie roles and even the odd spot of gun smuggling. And her story continues as she makes her mark as a charter vessel in the marine tourism industry.
Derwent Hunter under sail
Derwent Hunter is owned by Tall Ship Adventures, a charter company offering award-winning eco sailing adventures in the Whitsundays. The successful marine tourism operation uses Derwent Hunter and another traditional vessel, Alexander Stewart, to combine a love of the Whitsunday Islands with Australia’s traditional vessel maritime history. Founder and director, Warren Ladd, is an owner/operator with enthusiasm for his company’s concept. Guests combine discovery of the rich heritage of Australian seafaring with exploration of one of the world’s most magnificent island chains – the Whitsundays. Warren Ladd’s attitude is reflected in the crews, which not only sail the boats but maintain and even help restore them.
The above is an excerpt from “The ‘Hunter’ in Paradise” published in Australian Sea Heritage 90/2007. Click here to read the full article.
Cool issue, didn’t thought this would be so stunning when I klicked at the link!