Century-old fleet: A unique gathering of 13 historic vessels

Step into Sydney Sailing history from a bygone era with the Century-old Fleet – a unique gathering of historic vessels on the museum’s Heritage Pontoon. We've partnered with the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club and the Wooden Boat Association of NSW to celebrate the legacy of sailing and the beautiful craftsmanship of a bygone era.

View a fleet of vessels, each over 100 years old, that have been lovingly restored and are still sailing today. These boats represent the adventurous spirit and resilience that has shaped Sydney's relationship with the sea.

Among the featured vessels are:

• SY Ena (1900) - A beautifully restored Edwardian steam yacht which showcases the elegance of early luxury vessels once used for naval patrols, fishing, and grand harbor entertaining.

• Hoana (1925) – A gaff-rigged sloop built by James Hayes & Sons, renowned for its circumnavigation and racing pedigree with the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club.

• Jenny Wren (1889) – One of the oldest racing yachts in Australia, designed by Walter Reeks and built by Thomas Cubitt, showcasing early innovations in yacht design.

• Utiekah II (1911) – Commissioned for character-building voyages with Melbourne Grammar students, later owned by Harold Nossiter, the first Australian to circumnavigate the globe in a yacht.

• Sao (1905) – Built by WM Ford Boatbuilders, this deep-keeled yacht is one of the most intact examples of early 20th-century design and was once sailed by Charles Kingsford Smith.

• Maritimo-Katwinchar (1904) – A restored racing yacht with a storied past, including participation in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and a recent return to competitive sailing.

• Akarana, Athene, Florrie, Oenone, Benno, Sea Rover, Ventura – Each with its own tale of survival, restoration, and continued service, these vessels embody the diversity and richness of Australia’s maritime history.

The Century-old Fleet is more than a display; it’s a living museum.