Sydney Heritage Fleet

Named after the wife of the first Governor-General of Australia, the Lady Hopetoun was built in Berry's Bay in 1902. For many years she served as the VIP launch for the State Government. Her hull which is largely original, is New Zealand Kauri planked on American Elm frames, and her deckhouse is teak. Her triple expansion engine is authentic, but new coal burning boilers were fitted in the 1920's and again in 1997. With her low profile, raked lines and graceful counter stern, LADY HOPETOUN is a classic example of Edwardian grace and style. From the comfort of her decks a great number of notable people including King George VI, the Duke of Windsor, the Queen of Thailand and Lord Montgomery of Alamein have enjoyed Sydney Harbour. In 1965 she was the first vessel acquired by the Sydney maritime Museum and although still operational, was showing obvious signs of her age. During the next five years much restoration work was carried out on her upper decks in order to make her presentable for the 1970 Captain Cook bicentennial celebrations. In 1990 she was slipped for six months during which time her original copper sheathing was taken off, many of her frames replaced and her engine and boiler were removed for a complete overhaul. When re-entering the water she was pronounced fit for the next 88 years. She now steams regularly in the hands of Museum volunteers and is avilable for private and corporate charters on Sydney Harbour.