Launched on 30th March 1996 the build of the Windward Bound, a 33-metre brigantine started with several phone calls to The Smithsonian to obtain the original plan by old fashioned post. The plan had no table of offsets, just the basic length, breadth and depths. It took 6 months at night whilst working full time to project the offsets from the basic plan to extract the 2,500 measurements. Then with no idea on how to make it happen, Sarah got offered a job taking photos of tall ships for the Bicentenary in 1987 on the Eye Of The Wind. Whilst working on the ship she learnt that the best wood for boat building was recycled timber and a need to discuss requirements for commercial survey design compliance. The next event in the construction was a drive past during demolition of the Prince of Wales theatre. The roof frames and a truck load of blue gum for the keel was picked up for $15. The keel was laid on 1st June 1990 in a shed provided by ANM (Australian Newsprint Mills) who also supplied and arranged milling of the 120 tons of old growth swamp gum, it would not be available today. Another 15 months to strip plank the hull using 10-15 foot scarfed planks by an American method with a radial bevel the width of the plank. The stern plates came from 2 massive pieces of blue gum from the old staircase at the Long Gallery in Salamanca. On the 5th Dec 1995 Windward Bound came out of the shed and launched 3 ½ months later, supposedly 1 month!
Since launching Windward Bound has covered 200,000 Nm, including New Zealand and a circumnavigation of Australia in 2002 to celebrate that of Mathew Flinders 200 years prior.
Mistral II is an important piece of Australia's maritime history, having competed in the first Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in 1945 and 9 more after that. She was donated to the Windeward Bound Foundation Ltd by the family of the late Ron Burton to be used as a training "tool" for young Australians. Thanks to Tasmanian State Government support, restoration is being completed by energetic groups of young people under the MISTRAL (Multi Industry Skills Training Reaching All Levels) program. Providing valuable workplace skills and training to young Tasmanians who have been unemployed for a long period, so they can go on to further training or enter the workforce. 49 youths completed the program with 64% achieving full time jobs.
Once restored Mistral II will join her sister ship, the STV Windeward Bound, in offering life-changing youth development Adventure Under Sail programs to young Australians.
Donald design, No. 145 built in 1922 as a gaff 64.8 ft schooner (72 ft including bow sprit) weighing 39 tons. Originally built as a Gentleman’s Day Boat, not as an ocean-going boat was the largest yacht in Sydney when built costing £7,000. It came to Hobart as an abalone boat then sank until it was recovered and taken to Sydney for restoration. Then in the 50’s it returned to Hobart where it was gutted and refitted before being on sold to be sailed around the world. It got as far as Norfolk Island where it ran aground. It next came into the hands of The Burtons till she was passed on to The Trust to begin it’s restoration. Sarah located the plans at the Masitutias Institute of Technology and after informing them of the Trust and aim to restore Mistral to original plans, they supplied the entire plans, specifications and offsets, including high-res pdf’s, all for $15. The restoration will bring her back to the original configuration, smaller masts and the original fit out (except a few modifications to comply with survey). Initially assessed 30 frames of the 154 for replacement, ended up replacing 146. The beam shelf and shear appeared OK. After lifting the deck found water ingress and rotting within so need replacement as did the transom. It is planked in Koari and framed in blue gum (originally iron bark). Have obtained the original bronze name plate (from Edward Simpsons original Mistral) here in Hobart. Then to get Mistral from Sydney back to Hobart she had to be shipped, could not have happened without the assistance the Royal Australian Navy network. Provided assistance under the Defence Assistance to the Civilian Community Program because of the work our trust does with young people. Thanks to the Burton family who paid for Mistrall to be cradled and craned onto HMAS Choules.
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As always looking to raise money, currently needed to assist with the large cost of slipping (as we all know!)