When we bought our trailer sailer about a year ago there was little information available on the internet about her sister ships. Pretty much all I could gather was what I heard from people at the sailing club, and I wasn’t sure I could trust half of what I heard. Someone even told me she had sailed in the Sydney to Hobart in the 70’s! After some more digging I have been able to ascertain some facts about the boat and to make it easier for others looking for the same thing I am writing this article to bring it all together. If you have more information please do post a comment.
Design and build
The Red Jackets were designed and built in Perth in the 70’s. They were designed for racing on the Swan River with a mast height that would be able to clear the bridges. The manufacturer of the Red Jacket was Ken & Hill Cameron of 103 Archdeacon Road, Nedlands, Perth. Apparently the manufacturing process was so smooth that it only took one week from them receiving the order for “Golden Screw” until it was on the water sailing!
The Red Jackets were the first of a series of small Yachts built by the Cameron’s. The Red Witch, Red Baron and Red Eagle are later developments from the same people.
Specifications
The information I have on her specifications are lacking but I can share with you the measurements I have taken my self.
* LOA 17.6ft (Length OverAll)
* Width 5.5ft
* Draft 2.5ft
* Mast height 6m
* Main; Luff 5.30m Foot 2.70m
Known boats
There are still a lot of Red Jackets scattered around Australia. I know of at least 5 in Melbourne, two of which are actively sailed. Below I intend to keep a running list of known boats. Who knows, perhaps we might end up organising a RJ Rendezvous on Port Phillip Bay.
* Carbon Offset, EG 605, Navy, Valberg Larusson, Williamstown Sailing Club
* –, GK 648, Orange, –, Williamstown Sailing Club
* –, –, Yellow, –, Williamstown Sailing Club
Web References
* http://en.allexperts.com/q/Yachting-2264/f/info-red-jacket-sloop.htm
Publications
Some of the best knowledge I have found so far is contained between the pages of published material, notably the Seacraft Magazine from 1970 and 1971. Below is a republication of an article published in the October 1971 edition of Seacraft Magazine.
