An Embarrassing Loss- VENTURA- Part Two
VENTURA returned to her home port of Launceston in 1908 when acquired by JL Taylor. However by 1909, some 16 years after her launch, competitors were catching up to her technologically and she suffered what was widely labelled an “embarrassing defeat” - losing both races in the North vs South Cup to the Hobart yacht, ELF, by significant margins.
It was decided that some substantial reconfiguration was required. As per the original plans from GL Watson, the centreboard system was replaced with a solid keel. This increased her overall draft by 15 inches. Then her coach house was subsequently rebuilt under the ownership of Sholto Douglas back in Hobart in 1914. These design alterations were ultimately successful, helping VENTURA to place third in the 1914 Hobart Regatta.
She was then acquired by EP Harrison in 1919 and became a founding boat in a new class known as the 1st Class Division in Hobart.
In 1928, she was acquired by Alex J. Clark and went onto win the 1928 Hobart Regatta – which was some 35 years after her original launch.
A.J. Clark, the Vice Commodore of the Bellerive Yacht Club, then arranged the most significant alterations in VENTURA’s long history. Whilst maintaining her lines, she was cut in half and lengthened resulting in a LOA of 41’, with a waterline length of 33’. This work was conducted in Wilsons Boat Yard in Cygnet, around the coast from Hobart.
Her rig was also significantly upgraded, with the removal her gaff rig and the placement of new a mizzen mast behind the rudder post, to create a yawl. In this new configuration, she raced in the newly formed “Cruiser Class” with the sail number of C4.
In 1935 VENTURA was then acquired by D McAllister who had success with her new set up, beating 24 yachts from all divisions, to win the Kermandie Challenge Cup. She also won first prize at the Huon Regatta in January 1937.
In 1945 VENTURA was purchased from McAllister by Hedley Calvert. By this time the mizzen mast had been removed and she was given a more modern Marconi rig. In the photo below (1948) we can see the 8 Metre style rig with a larger mainsail, lower hounds, longer boom and running back stays. She also had a relatively low freeboard, making her a complex yacht to sail with an uncomfortably wet ride in a breeze.
VENTURA with the family, Alan Rowe & Doug Evans aboard-
Derwent River 1948
The Calvert’s raced and cruised VENTURA extensively as can be seen in these photos from during WWII.
Grandmother Edith at the helm of VENTURA, with mother Nell forward, Hedley working the mainsail, Don behind and Barry stepping into the cabin
Chas Calvert with crew member Alan Rowe in the late 1940’s
Here VENTURA can be seen mid fleet racing on the Derwent in the with sail number C4.
After custodianship by the Calverts, the history of VENTURA becomes a little more vague. We know that VENTURA made her way to Sydney when she was acquired Captain Kennedy of Phoenix House around the 1960’s.
She was subsequently purchased by Lt Commander Wally Grittle, who was in charge of the torpedo range in Sydney, thankfully avoiding the same fate of Britannia under King George V.
The next recorded custodians were Dr Ian and Marjorie Johnson of Lovett Bay. Here Ventura was visited by previous owners including the Calverts, but eventually she fell in a state of disrepair.
Look out for Part Three of VENTURA’s history (The Family Reunion) next week, & if you missed part one, click here