Page 29 - 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 benches for visitors.
out to ensure buoyancy. Some modern yachtsmen despise a square Captain Fergusson, President of the Marine Board, with the Treasurer
stern, andperhaps in larger vessels the elliptic is preferable, but in as a passenger, went alongside with the steam-launch Margaret, and
this case no better form could be selected, as breadth gives a more towed the Bronzewing to the opposite riverbank. A band played
commanding appearance. Huon pine was chosen for planking as well something nautical at starting, and settled down to dance music,
as deck, and inwardly she has American elm-bent timbers with gum which was responded to by votaries of terpsichore. An extemporized
floors every four feet of her length. She is cemented inside as high as pontoon bridge soon afforded means for landing. The ladies, the band,

the lightwater line, and throughout thehull copper and brass are the the flags which waved from every masthead in the harbour, and the
only metals used. beautiful weather, combined to make the event a success. The yacht
lay on her ways, the colonial ensign over the taffrail, and the club
The land line is marked by copper-coloured paint; but as soon as burgee over the stern. Garlands and wreaths of flowers decorated each
the hull settles into shape a sheathing of that metal will be applied. end, and a gangwav having been provided, the company inspected her
Above she is black, with a gold riband, which sets off her sheer and within and without. Slowly the tide rose until 10 feet were signalled,
shows her outline to advantage. The rigging and spare are ready to be and then the tiptoe of expectation was reached. In a long and narrow
placed on board, and Captain Simmons, better known as "Skysailyard workshed adjoining, neat-handed Phillises dispensed creature
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 comforts to distinguished visitors. Perhaps the donor of the feast
scarcely expected so many people to respond to the call, but there was
a space which will serve as a dressing-room, it being fitted up so as to no end of biscuits or champagne, with sherry and other refreshment,
be well suited for that purpose. In the midships is the cabin— a
tolerably spacious apartment, with settees on each side serving the until the tide rose almost to standard point.
double purpose of lockers for stores and sleeping berths as well. Mr. J. H. BARROW, M.P., said he had been requested to
There is here excellent height because of the skylight, which propose a toast, and he confessed he was taken by surprise at the
honour shown him, because he thought the duty would have devolved
affords additional head space.The compartment before the mast upon some one connected with yachting. He could not lay claim to
belongs to the cook and seamen, and their comfort and convenience possessing a yacht, but he wished he had one like that at which they
are well cared for, especially the former, who has the lion's share of had been looking that day. He did not know whether he would ever be
space, especially the former, is on one side and watertank on the other. rich enough to have one, but if he ever had money enough he should
The election of Mr. Bundey to the office of Commodore gave think seriously of getting one. He felt that they could not separate
additional importance to the completion of his craft, and he resolved without proposing a toast— "The Health of Commodore Bundey."

to make the day of her launch one of enjoyment, and he has afforded (Loud cheers.) He was sure that the people, not only in Port Adelaide,
much pleasure to a thoroughly representative company. There were but throughout the colony, would respect the spirit which had induced
present fair ladies and brave men— the horny-handed sons of toil, him to lay himself out to the extent he had in the noble— he did not
members of Parliament, and representatives of the Press, sea captains know whether he might call it a sport— but the noble exercise of
in commission, and masters who had long given up the service, and yachting. (Cheers.) Everything was that day auspicious.
members of the bar. The banks of the Port Creek were crowded, the The weather was magnificent, the company was large— not
ships in the stream were occupied by eager spectators, and on the larger however than the Commodore's merits deserved—(cheers)—
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 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
of the Club mustered, and proceeded to the Railway Station to do colonists would follow the example men who could well afford to
honour to the Commodore, and on his appearance all moved towards

the Bronzewing, a fine ketch, which had been placed at his disposal by support a yacht—(cheers)— and he did not know why we should not
maintain a respectable fleet of yachts. He would not detain them