James Craig to return to Williamstown

by Mike Sabey on 12 Jan 2006 After an 85 year absence from Melbourne, the historic 132 year old three masted iron barque James Craig is returning to Williamstown at the invitation of the national Trust of Australia (Victoria) as a major part of this year’s Volvo race stop over celebrations.

The Royal Yacht Club of Victoria is co-hosting the 70 metre long James Craig, which will berth at Workshop Pier Williamstown courtesy Parks Victoria and the Williamstown Maritime Association, from January 22nd after it completes its Volvo Stop Over Club Marine Challenge Rally the day prior.

Royal’s Commodore Jeffery Gray says, 'The tall ship James Craig’s visit to Williamstown will anchor our Club’s Volvo Around the World Race stop over celebrations, which includes the annual Skandia Week race to Geelong on 26 January and a V 70 event at the Club on February 1st when we will proudly host the yacht ABM Ambro and its crew.'


Tall Ship - James Craig

Weighing over 1500 tons fully laden, its 70 metres long and 9 metres wide. The James Craig, which carries a crew of 55 was launched in 1874 and for the next 58 years sailed to and from Australia rounding Cape Horn 23 times carrying wool, coal, timber and kerosene.

Around the time steam surpassed sail in 1925, it fell out of service and into disrepair in Hobart and seven years later ended up a deserted hulk after being deliberately sunk in Recherche Bay (Tasmania).

In 1973 a group of Sydney Heritage Fleet Volunteers led by Alan Edenborough recovered the James Craig’s hull and began a mammoth 28 year restoration programme in Sydney that returned it to its former sailing glory in 2001.

Today it can carry up to 120 guests on bay trips and 80 passengers to sea to taste the thrill of sailing before the mast beneath 21 sails in one of the world’s last surviving iron barques.


Unique Inspection Opportunity

The public will be given a unique opportunity for the first time in 85 years to step aboard and inspect the James Craig at Workshop Pier Williamstown. The admission fee for a guided tour will be $5. It will be visible for the public to see from the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria’s marina and also from Workshop Pier.


Open for Inspection dates and Times

Workshop Pier Williamstown Melways Map 56 E9)

Wednesday 25 January - 10am – 4pm

Thursday 2nd February - 10am – Noon

Friday 3rd February - 10am – Noon

Sunday 5th February - 10am – 4pm (part of the Williamstown Arts and Tall Ships Maritime Festival)


Other dates of Note

17th (Estimated) January – The first Volvo V70 yachts due to finish in Melbourne

21st January - Club Marine Challenge Rally up the Bay to Docklands

22nd January - James Craig commences its visit to Williamstown

Open for inspection days – see above

25th January – Skandia Geelong Week party at Royals

4-5th February - Williamstown Maritime Arts and Tall Ships Festival - Workshop Pier