Page 5 - CYAA Magazine Jan 2018 Issue 41
P. 5
Issue 41 - March 2018 CYAA ©
Victory’s designer was Earnest Olney Digby a
Williamstown shipwright. Everyone has heard
of Fife and Herreshoff, and would acknowledge
that fame comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s only
fitting that Digby should be acknowledged as
one of our famous Australian boat builders. For
not only designing and being part of Victory’s
construction, but for his contribution to so many
classics. From the 21ft sailing boats raced on Port
Phillip Bay to the International 8 Metre yachts
Defiance and Frances, both restored champions
still racing and winning today.
It has only been evident while researching Victory
just how far Ernest Digbys’ influence had spread.
Becoming Commodore of first the Hobsons Bay
Yacht Club from 1915–1916, he was then enticed
to join RYCV in February–March 1924 (thank you
Erin, HBYC). Becoming the Commodore of the
RYCV from 1952–1954, the Digby sailing name
has not been confined to Ernest as most members
of the family have either built or sailed on boats.
Most notably Len Digby, and in more recent
times, Peter Digby. This story is still being
Victory launching at Williamstown Photo: Peter Digby
gathered together, for provision to the Australian
Naval dockyard 1936. Ernest Digby,
designer and builder helps put Victory Register of Historic Vessels Curator David Payne.
alongside wharf for the first time
Victory returns to the sea after long hibernation March 2018 Photo Rod Mennitz.
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