Lot 710

Description

Tasmania first ocean race, 9ct gold pendant or charm (1.2g; 17.5 x 18.5mm), map of Tasmania, the name Tasmania inscribed on obverse, reverse inscribed, "Thistle"/.First./Ocean Race/Dec.27.1907, hallmarked with star 9 wheatsheath (Larard Bros, Melbourne), an interesting piece of Australian yachting history. Suspension loop missing, otherwise very fine.

In 1907 an ocean race from Port Phillip Heads, Melbourne to Low Head at the mouth of the Tamar River, near Launceston, Tasmania was inaugurated with a trophy of fifty guineas presented by the American newspaper, The Rudder. Four boats competed in the inaugural race, Thistle, Shamrock, Rambler and Ellada. The winner was the 48 foot yawl, Thistle, skippered by Edgar Newland, who had his wife and daughter on board as part of the crew.

Once the Rudder Cup was presented Mrs Newland refused to return it as she did not want anyone else risking their life to win the trophy. It was not until sometime in the 1960s before it was returned and could once more be presented to the winner. Although the race has not been held every year since 1907, the race continues today and has become an annual event since the 1960s. It still is conducted over the same course by the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria and the Derwent Sailing Squadron. The Rudder Cup is Australia's oldest ocean race and the world's fifth oldest.

With research.

Ex Carl Veen Collection.