Page 28 - Zephyr Built 1873 Rescue Project 2024 Her History

Mr.Russell. She was new and clean, and well arranged with seats and
forwards her straight-up stem and sharp bow give promise of ease in
a sea-way, especially as above the waterline she is some- what filled
out to ensure buoyancy. Some modern yachtsmen despise a square
stern, andperhaps in larger vessels the elliptic is preferable, but in
this case no better form could be selected, as breadth gives a more
commanding appearance. Huon pine was chosen for planking as well
as deck, and inwardly she has American elm-bent timbers with gum
floors every four feet of her length. She is cemented inside as high as
the lightwater line, and throughout thehull copper and brass are the
only metals used.
The land line is marked by copper-coloured paint; but as soon as
the hull settles into shape a sheathing of that metal will be applied.
Above she is black, with a gold riband, which sets off her sheer and
shows her outline to advantage. The rigging and spare are ready to be
placed on board, and Captain Simmons, better known as "Skysailyard
Jack," will perfect the outfit of the craft in little over a week. Internally
everything is in order. The companion is placed well aft, and leads to
a space which will serve as a dressing-room, it being fitted up so as to
be well suited for that purpose. In the midships is the cabin— a
tolerably spacious apartment, with settees on each side serving the
double purpose of lockers for stores and sleeping berths as well.
There is here excellent height because of the skylight, which
affords additional head space.The compartment before the mast
belongs to the cook and seamen, and their comfort and convenience
are well cared for, especially the former, who has the lion's share of
space, especially the former, is on one side and watertank on the other.
The election of Mr. Bundey to the office of Commodore gave
additional importance to the completion of his craft, and he resolved
to make the day of her launch one of enjoyment, and he has afforded
much pleasure to a thoroughly representative company. There were
present fair ladies and brave men— the horny-handed sons of toil,
members of Parliament, and representatives of the Press, sea captains
in commission, and masters who had long given up the service, and
members of the bar. The banks of the Port Creek were crowded, the
ships in the stream were occupied by eager spectators, and on the
Queen's Wharf there was a concourse to cheer the launch of the
Zephyr. Upon the arrival of the down train after midday the members
of the Club mustered, and proceeded to the Railway Station to do
honour to the Commodore, and on his appearance all moved towards
the Bronzewing, a fine ketch, which had been placed at his disposal by
benches for visitors.
Captain Fergusson, President of the Marine Board, with the Treasurer
as a passenger, went alongside with the steam-launch Margaret, and
towed the Bronzewing to the opposite riverbank. A band played
something nautical at starting, and settled down to dance music,
which was responded to by votaries of terpsichore. An extemporized
pontoon bridge soon afforded means for landing. The ladies, the band,
the flags which waved from every masthead in the harbour, and the
beautiful weather, combined to make the event a success. The yacht
lay on her ways, the colonial ensign over the taffrail, and the club
burgee over the stern. Garlands and wreaths of flowers decorated each
end, and a gangwav having been provided, the company inspected her
within and without. Slowly the tide rose until 10 feet were signalled,
and then the tiptoe of expectation was reached. In a long and narrow
workshed adjoining, neat-handed Phillises dispensed creature
comforts to distinguished visitors. Perhaps the donor of the feast
scarcely expected so many people to respond to the call, but there was
no end of biscuits or champagne, with sherry and other refreshment,
until the tide rose almost to standard point.
Mr. J. H. BARROW, M.P., said he had been requested to
propose a toast, and he confessed he was taken by surprise at the
honour shown him, because he thought the duty would have devolved
upon some one connected with yachting. He could not lay claim to
possessing a yacht, but he wished he had one like that at which they
had been looking that day. He did not know whether he would ever be
rich enough to have one, but if he ever had money enough he should
think seriously of getting one. He felt that they could not separate
without proposing a toast— "The Health of Commodore Bundey."
(Loud cheers.) He was sure that the people, not only in Port Adelaide,
but throughout the colony, would respect the spirit which had induced
him to lay himself out to the extent he had in the noble— he did not
know whether he might call it a sport— but the noble exercise of
yachting. (Cheers.) Everything was that day auspicious.
The weather was magnificent, the company was large— not
larger however than the Commodore's merits deserved—(cheers)—
the ships were dressed in their gayest colours, and he looked upon that
as a most auspicious day. He thought it would be well if our wealthy
colonists would follow the example men who could well afford to
support a yacht—(cheers)— and he did not know why we should not
maintain a respectable fleet of yachts. He would not detain them