"Admiral" arrives home in Sullivan's Cove

The “Admiral”, which was relaunched in Huonville last week after an extensive restoration under the guidance of Bern Cuthbertson and the “Admirality” arrived back in her home port last Saturday.

Aboard for the final leg of the trip was the Governor of Tasmania, Peter Underwood. The vessel was greeted at Watermans’ Dock by the Lord Mayor, his deputy and a throng of family, friends and assorted others. It turned out that last Saturday was exactly 144 (tbc) years to the day that “Admiral” was first used as a Governor’s barge.

In his speech, Governor Underwood indicated that he would be happy for “Admiral” to serve as Governor’s barge once more, at least for the time he was the occupant of Government House.

The Governor also mentioned the fact that a permanent home needed to be found for “Admiral” somewhere on the waterfront. Currently there seems to be a bit of a battle raging between TasPorts, The State Government and the HCC as to where the vessel will eventually wind up.

Here’s hoping the various authorities come to their senses and the “Admiral” finds a home deserving of its long and direct link to the early years of Hobart’s European history.

There’s an album of photos from the day right here.

Launch of The "Admiral"

Judy, Harry, Brent and I headed down to Huonville earlier today to see the launch of the "Admiral", a 28ft rowboat, which, as it was built in 1865 is the oldest boat still in existence in Australia. Restored by Dad's mate Bern "The old man of the sea" Cuthbertson and a cast of dozens ("The Admiralty"), she was relaunched today and is currently being rowed to Hobart re next Saturday at 11am, she will be greeted as she she ties up at her original berth of 145 years ago, Waterman's Dock.

It was a great local event, with a couple of dignitaries and some media in attendance (where WAS the Mayor of Huonville though? Surely not too busy?), a trio playing sea shanties, and old salts and kids galore all having a great time in the dismal fog on the side of the river.

The Admiral was one of Hobart's first ferries, built in 1865, and was licensed to carry thirty passengers across the Derwent. Once in fact, she ferried the whole Tasmanian Cabinet from Hobart to Bellerive (some may wish for today's Cabinet to be put on a ferry, perhaps not just to Bellerive though).

As Lord Mayor Rob Valentine put it, it's great to have this touchstone to Hobart's early years restored to working condition again. Let's just hope the powers that be can find somewhere to display her.

As usual, there's a bunch of photos of the launch, and also of the Admiral on her way downstream to Franklin right here.

And here's the ABC's version of events.