Classic Yachts on the Big Screen : Part Two

Classic Australian television SEASPRAY, 1966.

Well, we had a great response to the first version of this article a couple of weeks ago. So here are few more suggestions as the best cameo Classic Yacht appearances in mainstream cinema / TV series, courtesy of the SWS readership. Click images for film snippets.

First in was ANDREW PURCELL, one of the custodians of the Philip Rhodes sloop SCIMITAR.

“I’d cast a vote for STORMVOGEL the 1961 Van de Stadt ketch used in George Miller’s 1989 classic ‘Dead Calm’ with Sam Neil and Nicole Kidman.”

Dead Calm Trailer staring STORMVOGEL

IAN RICHIE pointed out that HURRICA V, based on Pittwater for many years, now in San Francisco, featured in Baz Lurman's "The Great Gatsby"

HURRICA V in The Great Gatsby

And then over to PIP TODD and CRAIG COULSEN, advocating the 1933 45ft Ketch TAI-MO-SHAN for her role in the “Mama Mia”. Pip writes:

”This yacht was used in the Abba-based musical ‘Mamma Mia’ produced by Tom Hanks in association with Universal Studios and starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan.
Designed by HS Rouse and built out of teak at the Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock Company Yard in 1933, TAI-MO-SHAN’s was built for the 5 British Royal Naval Officers to sail back home from Hong Kong which, more recently, was revealed as part espionage, on the behalf of the Admiralty. In 1964, TAI-MO-SHAN was bought by oil pipeline engineer, Ian Bowler CBE, and he transformed the yacht’s interior to befit a gentleman’s cruising yacht. After being based around the Mediterranean she was advertised recently for sale but in need of an upgrade - it stated about £50,000 would put her right !”

Craig Coulson supports these comments:

”Pip Todd gets it right! There can be only one and that is by far the winner even if the movie is the worst. Or am I showing my age! Check out the extraordinary WW2 service records of the TAI-MO-SHAN crew. 4 DSOs, Croix de Guerre and VC between them!”

TAI-MO-SHAN in the Mama Mia Trailer

Craig also asks: As for Oceania, what ever happened to the yacht from the TV series Sea Spray?

Adventures of the Seaspray - Classic Australian Television

Its affirming when our little corner of the maritime world brushes up against mainstream film making. Some might doubt the value in this exposure for the grass routes enthusiasts, but if you want more people involve you can do worse than remember the famous quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry:

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.”