Abbotsford Tram Terminus
US Army WT85 (Protrude) on new Elvina Bay Pittwater Mooring 14th Oct 2020 after tow from Abbotsford Bay, Sydney to Pittwater, 13th October 2020Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
The historic US Army WT 85, believed to be the last Tuncurry Wright Shipyards 1943 built boat still afloat had, after a long career, been moored in Abbotsford Bay for more than a year awaiting renovation by the then owner Roger Kyle.
With the vessel rapidly deteriorating and liable to sink on its mooring Matt Palmer of Scotland Island, just off Elvina Bay in Sydney's Pittwater Bay, made an offer which was accepted in early 2020.
Following purchase Matt Palmer made several attempts to engage a towing vessel to tow the boat to the Pittwater just north of Sydney Harbour but found it difficult to get this actually done.
Finally, on Tuesday 13th October 2020, the US Army WT85 (Protrude) was towed by the MV Maltby from its mooring at Abbotsford Bay to Elvina Bay in the Pittwater.
The journey however was not without incident and despite being initially accompanied by what seemed like a dolphin escort coming out of Sydney Harbour, as the vessel reached the Pittwater a plank on the front left side of the vessel gave way.
While the breach was just above the water line, nevertheless water began to flood into the boat. Matt Palmer the new owner, was fortunately on board and ready for such an eventuality. He had 5 pumps working furiously which allowed the boat to remain afloat and reach its new mooring in Elvina Bay.
Matt spent a long night that night making the vessel watertight.
In the days ahead the vessel will be inspected by Colin Beashel Marine at Elvina Bay and a scope of the works required will be prepared. Matt Palmer will then embark on what could well be a lengthy but very worthwhile process of bringing the historic US Army WT 85 back to its former glory as a working boat.
US Army WT85 (Protrude) on new Elvina Bay Pittwater Mooring 14th Oct 2020 with Popped Plank after tow from Abbotsford Bay, Sydney to Pittwater, 13th October 2020Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
The historic US Army WT 85, believed to be the last Tuncurry Wright Shipyards 1943 built boat still afloat had, after a long career, been moored in Abbotsford Bay for more than a year awaiting renovation by the then owner Roger Kyle.
With the vessel rapidly deteriorating and liable to sink on its mooring Matt Palmer of Scotland Island, just off Elvina Bay in Sydney's Pittwater Bay, made an offer which was accepted in early 2020.
Following purchase Matt Palmer made several attempts to engage a towing vessel to tow the boat to the Pittwater just north of Sydney Harbour but found it difficult to get this actually done.
Finally, on Tuesday 13th October 2020, the US Army WT85 (Protrude) was towed by the MV Maltby from its mooring at Abbotsford Bay to Elvina Bay in the Pittwater.
The journey however was not without incident and despite being initially accompanied by what seemed like a dolphin escort coming out of Sydney Harbour, as the vessel reached the Pittwater a plank on the front left side of the vessel gave way.
While the breach was just above the water line, nevertheless water began to flood into the boat. Matt Palmer the new owner, was fortunately on board and ready for such an eventuality. He had 5 pumps working furiously which allowed the boat to remain afloat and reach its new mooring in Elvina Bay.
Matt spent a long night that night making the vessel watertight.
In the days ahead the vessel will be inspected by Colin Beashel Marine ant Elvina Bay and a scope of the works required will be prepared. Matt Palmer will then embark on what could well be a lengthy but very worthwhile process of bringing the historic US Army WT 85 back to its former glory as a working boat.
US Army WT85 (Protrude) on new Elvina Bay Pittwater Mooring 14th Oct 2020 with Popped Plank after tow from Abbotsford Bay, Sydney to Pittwater, 13th October 2020Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
The historic US Army WT 85, believed to be the last Tuncurry Wright Shipyards 1943 built boat still afloat had, after a long career, been moored in Abbotsford Bay for more than a year awaiting renovation by the then owner Roger Kyle.
With the vessel rapidly deteriorating and liable to sink on its mooring Matt Palmer of Scotland Island, just off Elvina Bay in Sydney's Pittwater Bay, made an offer which was accepted in early 2020.
Following purchase Matt Palmer made several attempts to engage a towing vessel to tow the boat to the Pittwater just north of Sydney Harbour but found it difficult to get this actually done.
Finally, on Tuesday 13th October 2020, the US Army WT85 (Protrude) was towed by the MV Maltby from its mooring at Abbotsford Bay to Elvina Bay in the Pittwater.
The journey however was not without incident and despite being initially accompanied by what seemed like a dolphin escort coming out of Sydney Harbour, as the vessel reached the Pittwater a plank on the front left side of the vessel gave way.
While the breach was just above the water line, nevertheless water began to flood into the boat. Matt Palmer the new owner, was fortunately on board and ready for such an eventuality. He had 5 pumps working furiously which allowed the boat to remain afloat and reach its new mooring in Elvina Bay.
Matt spent a long night that night making the vessel watertight.
In the days ahead the vessel will be inspected by Colin Beashel Marine ant Elvina Bay and a scope of the works required will be prepared. Matt Palmer will then embark on what could well be a lengthy but very worthwhile process of bringing the historic US Army WT 85 back to its former glory as a working boat.
Dolphin Escort out of Sydney Heads - US Army WT85 (Protrude) under Tow from Abbotsford Bay, Sydney to Pittwater, 13th October 2020Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
The historic US Army WT 85, believed to be the last Tuncurry Wright Shipyards 1943 built boat still afloat had, after a long career, been moored in Abbotsford Bay for more than a year awaiting renovation by the then owner Roger Kyle.
With the vessel rapidly deteriorating and liable to sink on its mooring Matt Palmer of Scotland Island, just off Elvina Bay in Sydney's Pittwater Bay, made an offer which was accepted in early 2020.
Following purchase Matt Palmer made several attempts to engage a towing vessel to tow the boat to the Pittwater just north of Sydney Harbour but found it difficult to get this actually done.
Finally, on Tuesday 13th October 2020, the US Army WT85 (Protrude) was towed by the MV Maltby from its mooring at Abbotsford Bay to Elvina Bay in the Pittwater.
The journey however was not without incident and despite being initially accompanied by what seemed like a dolphin escort coming out of Sydney Harbour, as the vessel reached the Pittwater a plank on the front left side of the vessel gave way.
While the breach was just above the water line, nevertheless water began to flood into the boat. Matt Palmer the new owner, was fortunately on board and ready for such an eventuality. He had 5 pumps working furiously which allowed the boat to remain afloat and reach its new mooring in Elvina Bay.
Matt spent a long night that night making the vessel watertight.
In the days ahead the vessel will be inspected by Colin Beashel Marine at Elvina Bay and a scope of the works required will be prepared. Matt Palmer will then embark on what could well be a lengthy but very worthwhile process of bringing the historic US Army WT 85 back to its former glory as a working boat.
US Army WT85 (Protrude) under Tow from Abbotsford Bay, Sydney to Pittwater, 13th October 2020Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
The historic US Army WT 85, believed to be the last Tuncurry Wright Shipyards 1943 built boat still afloat had, after a long career, been moored in Abbotsford Bay for more than a year awaiting renovation by the then owner Roger Kyle.
With the vessel rapidly deteriorating and liable to sink on its mooring Matt Palmer of Scotland Island, just off Elvina Bay in Sydney's Pittwater Bay, made an offer which was accepted in early 2020.
Following purchase Matt Palmer made several attempts to engage a towing vessel to tow the boat to the Pittwater just north of Sydney Harbour but found it difficult to get this actually done.
Finally, on Tuesday 13th October 2020, the US Army WT85 (Protrude) was towed by the MV Maltby from its mooring at Abbotsford Bay to Elvina Bay in the Pittwater.
The journey however was not without incident and despite being initially accompanied by what seemed like a dolphin escort coming out of Sydney Harbour, as the vessel reached the Pittwater a plank on the front left side of the vessel gave way.
While the breach was just above the water line, nevertheless water began to flood into the boat. Matt Palmer the new owner, was fortunately on board and ready for such an eventuality. He had 5 pumps working furiously which allowed the boat to remain afloat and reach its new mooring in Elvina Bay.
Matt spent a long night that night making the vessel watertight.
In the days ahead the vessel will be inspected by Colin Beashel Marine ant Elvina Bay and a scope of the works required will be prepared. Matt Palmer will then embark on what could well be a lengthy but very worthwhile process of bringing the historic US Army WT 85 back to its former glory as a working boat.
Viability of the Rudder Concern - US Army WT85 (Protrude) under Tow from Abbotsford Bay, Sydney to Pittwater, 13th October 2020Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
The historic US Army WT 85, believed to be the last Tuncurry Wright Shipyards 1943 built boat still afloat had, after a long career, been moored in Abbotsford Bay for more than a year awaiting renovation by the then owner Roger Kyle.
With the vessel rapidly deteriorating and liable to sink on its mooring Matt Palmer of Scotland Island, just off Elvina Bay in Sydney's Pittwater Bay, made an offer which was accepted in early 2020.
Following purchase Matt Palmer made several attempts to engage a towing vessel to tow the boat to the Pittwater just north of Sydney Harbour but found it difficult to get this actually done.
Finally, on Tuesday 13th October 2020, the US Army WT85 (Protrude) was towed by the MV Maltby from its mooring at Abbotsford Bay to Elvina Bay in the Pittwater.
The journey however was not without incident and despite being initially accompanied by what seemed like a dolphin escort coming out of Sydney Harbour, as the vessel reached the Pittwater a plank on the front left side of the vessel gave way.
While the breach was just above the water line, nevertheless water began to flood into the boat. Matt Palmer the new owner, was fortunately on board and ready for such an eventuality. He had 5 pumps working furiously which allowed the boat to remain afloat and reach its new mooring in Elvina Bay.
Matt spent a long night that night making the vessel watertight.
In the days ahead the vessel will be inspected by Colin Beashel Marine ant Elvina Bay and a scope of the works required will be prepared. Matt Palmer will then embark on what could well be a lengthy but very worthwhile process of bringing the historic US Army WT 85 back to its former glory as a working boat.
St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
Former Tram Shelter, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
Ex Shop, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
Ex Shop, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
Ex Tram Line at Terminus, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
Ex Tram Line at Terminus, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
Ex Tram Line at Terminus, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
Cake, Sydney Rowing Club, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
Chicken Parmigiana, Sydney Rowing Club, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
James Boags Pure, Sydney Rowing Club, Abbotsford, Sydney, NSW.
Arthur George Johnston NX 22104
Signs, Schoolground, Abbotsford, NSW, Australia
'Nordic' (Circa 1947 - 1990)Details :
Name: Nordic - renamed Nordic Star circa 1990
Type: Fishing Boat
Length: 37 ft (originally)
Beam: 13 ft
Draft: 4.4 ft
Engine: Originally fitted with a Lister diesel then a 4SA 6Cy. Ford diesel
Builder: Believed to have been built by Bill Fisher in Sydney.
Launched : Botany Bay NSW, circa 1947
L.F.B: 3489
Owners : Note this list is incomplete
Circa 1947 - 1950: Unknown
Circa 1950 - 1990?: Norman Grant (Senior) Fisherman Forster NSW.
Unknown: Roger Kyle (Abbotsford Boat Shed, Abbotsford NSW)
Circa 1990 -2003: Ben Oscerson [Oscarson?] (Cameron’s Marina, Balmain NSW)
Circa 2003 - 2009: Neil Oaks (Cameron’s Marina, Balmain NSW)
2009 - 2016: Greg Flavel & Annabelle Warren (Northbridge Marina, NSW)
Construction
- Carvel Planked: Kauri, Oregon, Hardwood and Jarrah.
- Ribs and Stringers: Spotted Gum.
- Engine beds and floor timbers: Hardwood.
- Decks: Planked.
Design
- Two port lights each side of forward raised deck
- Round Bilge
- Counter Stern
- Straight Stem
- One mast
- Single screw
- Bilge keels fitted (latter)
History
Circa 1950
Purchased in Sydney by Forster fisherman, Norman Grant and operated out of the port of Tuncurry – Forster as a trap boat (leather jackets, snapper and lobsters - among others.)
1954
FISHING BOAT'S NIGHT AT SEA OFF FORSTER.
The Nordic , a 35 ft [37 ft] fishing launch, owned by Nordic Fisheries, spent Tuesday night sheltering under the lee of Cape Hawke because of the dangerous condition of the bar. Earlier in the day the little vessel had some equipment washed overboard when crossing out to sea.
Arriving at the Forster entrance late in the afternoon on the return journey the Nordic’s crew, consisting of N. Grant and N. Peters, found that conditions on the bar were too perilous for a crossing to be attempted.
They decided to spend the night at sea, where they dropped anchor. They spent an unpleasant period in choppy conditions, but were able to negotiate the bar and proceed to their Forster anchorage on Wednesday.
GRIM EXPERIENCES
In the past few days several fishing boats have had rather grim experiences at this entrance.
Early in the week the Irene III was aground on the bar for 15 minutes, but after some manoeuvering was carried clear of the breaker.
On Tuesday the Robin Lee had a similar experience, but got a lucky break when a large wave lifted her clear of the shoal.
Experienced seamen say that fortune cannot continue to favour boats working the crossing when the tides are low, and that the responsibility of a wreck occurring is not remote. The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Districts of New South Wales, Friday 22nd January 1954.
Rescue - 1960s
One evening after dusk, the fishing trawler Isabella Star became grounded on a sand bank outside the entrance to the harbour. The alarm being raised, the Nordic was called upon to head out across the notorious bar and rescue the stranded crew.
As the conditions were too rough to position the Nordic close enough to take off the crew, Norm Grant (Senior) swam around a 900 metres, individually rescuing the crew of three from the vessel. For his efforts, Norm was awarded the Royal Humane Society Bravery Award, and on a separate occasion was awarded the Maritime Medal for accumulated rescues over his lifetime.
Major Transformation - circa 1970
To keep up with the ever changing methods of sustainable fishing, and the continuous state of the bar, being unsuitable for smaller craft, it became necessary to modify the Nordic to suit these conditions. The Nordic underwent a major refit, turning her into a Danish seine trawler.
This meant fitting rope wells behind the newly enlarged cabin (to accommodate about 2 km of 2.5 inch sisal rope), new winch with drums and coilers, and a deck motor.
An additional section was built by the well known local boat builder Alf Jahnsen, and bolted on to the stern, extending the length of the Nordic to 42.5 ft.
Also added were bilge keels (rolling chocks), to “calm her down” when setting down, coming off a big swell due to her round bilge.
Circa 1970-1990
After the modifications the Nordic became one the biggest producers of fish species such as flathead, whiting, and other trawled species to the port.
With the change of nets the Nordic would also trawl for the large boils of prawns that would get washed out of the lake and river systems, ending up along the Tuncurry beach.
On occasions there would be anything up to seven or eight trawlers working up and down, north of the breakwall, just outside the shore break (and sometimes just in it).
CLOSE CALL ON THE BAR
The bar was a place to be treated with great respect, even to the most experienced skippers, as these words from Norm Grant (Jnr) reflects.
“We weathered the Forster bar for many years with many close calls. I have been aboard when we buried the bow all the way to the (new) wheel house and with the water bubbling over the windows momentarily; and one dark morning even turned around mid-way over the bar when a big set hit us (out of the black) and dad didn’t think she would take another one over the top. In doing that we copped one broad side that almost put the mast in the water and skidded us on our side for about 20 metres. She came back up as always, and we surfed the next one back in”.
DECK HANDS
A number of different deck hands worked on the Nordic out of Cape Hawke Harbour at different times including: N. Peters, Bob Bramble, Trevor Trotter, Jim Geale, Jock Sutherland, Ewan Sutherland, Barry Monns, Jeff Smith, John Cross and Norm Grant (Junior ).
1987
20th October the Nordic took in tow the newly launched hull of the fishing vessel Mildred Joyce Sutherland at the Tuncurry slipway, NSW.
Circa 1990
SOLD
After a successful life of over 40 years, Norman Grant senior, retired from the fishing industry due to a potentially serious accident which saw him get his fingers caught up in the rope as it went onto the drum (lucky to survive).
The Nordic was sold and went to Sydney, NSW.
Circa 1990 – 2003
UNPAID MOORING FEES - OWNED BY BOATSHED
The Nordic , sank at her moorings at the Abbotsford boat shed on the Parramatta River, and due to unpaid mooring fees became the property of the boat shed.
RENAMED THE NORDIC STAR
Cameron’s Marina Sydney: Converted from a trawler to a harbour picnic boat and renamed the Nordic Star .
She was purchased in a very poor condition, still with huge twin cylinder diesel engine for hauling, bilge full of nets, and decking in a deteriorated state. With the assistance of a shipwright the major works carried out:
- replaced the old main engine with a second hand Ford diesel, from another vessel (apparently the old engine from the Nordic is still in the water at the end of Cameron’s Marina, as it accidentally fell off the boat during the conversion process)
- removed the old deck winches and derrick.
- replaced decking with ply sheeting.
- added two new stainless steel fuel tanks.
- installed new railings
- replaced some ribs and planks
- installed new 12v electrical system.
2009
Cameron’s Marina Sydney: Operated as a harbour boat.
July 2009 – Surveyed for sale.
2009 – 2016
The Nordic Star now operates pretty much as a private picnic boat on Sydney (Middle) Harbour.
Image Source: Postcard - Pat Jones Collection
Acknowledgements : The assistance of Norman Grant (Jnr) & Greg Flavel for providing details of the history of the Nordic / Nordic Star . Mori Flapan boatregister ) by providing access to his extensive database is greatly appreciated.
All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any way without prior written approval.
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Great North Road near Blackwall Point Road, Abbotsford NSW 1954
Tram along Great North Road, Abbotsford NSW
N Class tram with tramway officers on a trial trip of the first electric tram to Abbotsford, NSW in April 1905
