April 2010: Woolwich Dock

29 April 2010

In February, ‘Britannia' the 1919 replica 18' skiff was involved in an unfortunate collision - teeboned by a 40' yacht. The original skiff is displayed in the Australian National Maritime Museum. It was built and sailed by ‘Wee' Georgie Robinson and crewed by the Balmain Rugby League football team. ‘Wee' Georgie was captain of the team who were premiers several times as well as Aussie champs in sailing!

The replica was built 6 years ago by boatbuilding craftsman Ian Smith and is authentic right down to the scantlings, fittings, ropes and rigs. She weighs 400kgs without the rig and is 70' from spinnaker pole to boom and carries a crew of 13.

Noakes won the refit job and Britannia was taken to Woolwich Dock. The damage resembled a large shark bite with over 20 of the varnished timber elements on the port side smashed at the port chainplates to bow.

As the boat was twisted and the gunnels of the missing part didn't line up we set up a new gunnel and started from there. Piece by piece was shaped, steamed and scarfed into place, nailed, glued, sanded and varnished.

After 3 weeks in the shed, Britannia was towed back to the Sydney Flying Squadron where she was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd, some swimming out to help bring her in.

She came 2nd in a race that day in a good nor'easter then was off to Brisbane for the Easter regatta.

Thanks to the Australian Open Boat Trust for funding the repair.