TIME AND DATE: January 11th, 11:00am – 12:00pm
LOCATION: Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street Darling Harbour
A gathering of historic vessels celebrates 100 years since Norwegian boatbuilder Lars Halvorsen, his wife Bergithe, and their family immigrated to Australia in the summer of 1924–25.
As part of the museum’s summer program, 16 Halvorsen vessels will be showcased at the museum wharves, highlighting the beauty and breath of their designs.
The family’s legacy is legendary. 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 the famous 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.
Senior Curator, Daina Fletcher said, ‘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.’
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
- Robert Allen – Halvorsen owner
- Daina Fletcher – Australian National Maritime Museum Senior Curator
ENDS
For information about the exhibition, please visit: www.sea.museum/Halvorsen
For images of selected vessels: Images for media
For further information, to attend or interviews please contact:
Alex Gonzalez m: 0401 545 778 e: alex.gonzalez@sea.museum
