The History of Derwent Hunter
Derwent Hunter is an iconic ship in the Whitsundays. Popular for sunset sails departing from Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach, this majestic tallship has a rich history that dates back to her construction in 1946. For anyone interested in the maritime history of Australia and the Whitsundays, here are some fun facts about the famous Derwent Hunter yacht in the Whitsundays!
The History of Derwent Hunter - An Iconic Tallship In The Whitsundays
Derwent Hunter is a 22-metre tall ship that has offered many types of tours in the Whitsundays over the years. Her impressive sails and interesting history make her a local favourite, and even after sailing here for 20 years, she still manages to make quite an impression. Here in the Whitsundays she has earned several awards in Adventure and Eco-tourism and is a defender of the reef, actively participating in research programs.
Built in 1946 and still going strong
Derwent Hunter was designed and constructed in Tasmania by a man named Walter Wilson of the Wilson Brothers Shipwrights company, whereupon she began to make her mark on the sailing world. Made by four men only hand tools, she was built with some of the best timbers the earth could provide, all farmed within eyesight of the shipyard in which Derwent itself was built, and soon began her career as a fishing boat.
She is said to be the last Australian-designed ship that was made to work under sail and was originally designed to resemble a grand banks schooner that was meant for fishing and supplying local restaurants with products.
In later years she was used as a research vessel and then even later as the star boat in a family TV show called The Rovers, to add to her busy past, before becoming a passenger boat. For the past 20 years, she has been keeping guests happy in the Whitsundays, exploring the reef and educating people on its health and well being.
Derwent Hunter's Eco-friendly Efforts
Eco-tourism is nothing new for Derwent Hunter! The vessel has always been involved in the environment ever since she hit the water back in 1946. In her research years, continuing to today, Derwent Hunter has contributed greatly to research efforts on the Great Barrier Reef, Bass Strait, and Tasman Sea.
Between 1949 and 1962, Derwent Hunter was sold to CSIRO where the vessel became Australia's first oceanographic research vessel. The ship sailed all over the South Pacific, from Australia down to Antarctica in the Southern Ocean. Collecting crucial information along the way about marine life, Derwent Hunter really made its mark on the scientific research world in Australia. Still today the vessel contributes data about whale sightings to help with research of whales in the Great Barrier Reef.
Whitsundays Tours on Derwent Hunter
For over 20 years, Derwent Hunter has called the Whitsundays home. These warm, tropical, wildlife-filled waters offer the perfect playground for this magnificent ship. Travellers from all over the world can experience the serenity of sailing in the Whitsundays on board Derwent Hunter through tours at Sailing Whitsundays!
Currently, Derwent Hunter offers a tranquil 2-hour sunset sail around Airlie Beach. Sip on a light cocktail, snack on some delicious appetizers, and enjoy the colorful evening views from the comfort of this spacious and historic tallship. Day sails are currently not offered, but stay tuned because this ship doesn't seem ready to retire yet even after such an eventful history!
Check out Derwent Hunter and our other most popular sunset sails!
