The Silver Cloud, which helped protect Sydney Harbour during WWII. Photo: ANMA
A gathering of Norwegian vessels in Sydney will celebrate the centenary of boatbuilder Lars Halvorsen’s immigration to Australia in 1924–25, starting tomorrow (January 10).
As part of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s summer program, 16 Halvorsen vessels will be showcased at its wharves.
Senior curator Daina Fletcher says that “Halvorsen craft are such an iconic image on our waterways – it is an honour to have so many of them here”.
“While we love the elegant cruisers built for special customers you’ll also see some of my favourites, in the restored, retired cruisers from the humble hire fleet, a former police boat and air-sea rescue craft and race-winning bluewater and inshore yachts, several of whom made their mark in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race,” she says.
“It’s a wonderful gathering of craft which shows the range of the Halvorsen family’s interests and achievements.”
Among the vessels on display will be the Silver Cloud, the museum says.
Built in 1938, it is the largest bridge deck cruiser built by him and was mentioned in wartime reports as it helped defend Sydney Harbour from Japanese mini-submarine attack during WWII.
In 2006, the vessel underwent a four-year restoration.
Lars and his wife Bergithe and children Harold (Harald), Carl, Elnor, Bjarne, Magnus, Trygve and Margit worked as shipwrights or supported the business.
The family also helped visiting Norwegian seafarers at the Scandinavian Seamen’s Mission.
Between 1925 and 1980 Lars Halvorsen Sons built 1300 vessels, with many more built independently by Bjarne, Magnus and Trygve.
After World War II the family built and operated a fleet of hire boats from Bobbin Head, introducing boating to many people who lacked easy access to waters.
Halvorsen’s boatyard became famous for their sports and bridge deck cruisers, racing yachts, defence vessels and mission craft.
The flotilla will be on display from January 10-22 between 10am and 4pm. Entry is free.
Online details: Halvorsen Centenary at the Australian National Maritime Museum
