A post on Instagram about a Tumlaren prompted a family member to respond and start a trail of connections that led us to a boat that had disappeared for some 20 or more years.

In many ways the post-war wooden, Southern Australian Cray Fishing boats are ideally suited to become cruising vessels. Listen to a man who has actually lived the dream and dodged the pitfalls.

Whatever date you believe Australia Day should be celebrated, it’s a great opportunity to recognise people in our community - and here, particularly - in our sailing community.

Look what appeared on the hardstand at RYCV in Melbourne this week!

However, as a photographer I have always enjoyed the concept of Instagram…Of course, 95% of it is drivel…however, in the wooden boat community there are a few feeds that educate, inform and amuse.

For almost 150 years, excluding the odd war and pandemic, SASC has held races every Saturday in summer. January 9, 2021 was no exception. Here are some fantastic photos of the fleet in action, captured by Andrea Francolini.

“Owning a timber Dragon has been a dream of mine for a long time, and when I was lucky enough to notice Siena on eBay in 2009, I knew my heart had to rule my head and I had to put in the winning bid.”

This is one of the things we love about old wooden boats…For less than AUD$7000, you can own this incredible piece of history!

“When Melbourne went into stage three lock down in July 2020, we lost the opportunity to go sailing in our beautiful wooden boats.”

In the spring of 1895 Charles Bailey Jr and his younger brother Walter, trading as “C. & W. Bailey”, built the 5 rater Ida for their good customers, merchants Jagger brothers and W. Frater Jr. …. The restoration process commenced with cutting off the rotting, cabin top, decking and beams.

Occasionally, quite unexpectedly, we come across our heroes. An interview aboard with Anna Ingham, the current custodian of a 42ft, cray boat, the OWEN JOHN.

The choice between the chainsaw and a full restoration is often a difficult one. WYRUNA is lucky enough to have found two realistic owners and a shipwright who knows exactly what he’s doing. WATCH PART ONE.