RQYS Mainsheet 2021

Mystery boat identified

HISTORICAL

Squadron member Simon Beeston certainly has an eye for happenstance discoveries, recently finding this magnificent framed photograph in a Brisbane antiques shop. Many subsequent hours of sleuthing revealed it to be a window in time to an important part of Wrights’ and RQYS’s shared histories. Simon writes that the erstwhile ‘mystery vessel’ has been positively identified as the 44-footer Lady Yetive. Built by Norman R Wright at Bulimba in 1934 for Dr Alexander Mayes of Clayfield, she was powered by a 30hp Kelvin in an 11ft 6in beam. Bought by ‘Big’ Bill Edwards in 1937, she was acquired in 1940 by the Commonwealth for war service and was very active in the South Pacific during the Second World War. This photo appears to be taken on the Gardens Reach of the Brisbane River in 1938, possibly for the start of the sailing season. Big Bill Edwards stands towards the stern in a blazer without a cap whilst Commodore S A Huybers is at the stern waving. Reproduced here with thanks to Billy Wright, who assisted Simon’s historical research and who is the new custodian of this wonderful piece of nautical history.

HISTORICAL

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