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[steve mahoney]

I'm looking for information and photos of the Aus tug Yanchep.
Built in the 80s, registered in Brisbane, based in Perth and moved ti Gisborne, NZ in 95.
The state museum in WA has 1 photo and there is only one from NZ. Can anyone point me in the right direction to find out more about it?
Thanks

[derekwarner]

Steve ...is this the image you have?.............. Derek


https://collection.mtghawkesbay.com/search.do?db=object&page=1&view=detail&id=34915

[sjbatche]

Steve


The hull of the Yanchep looks very much like the hull of the RAN Harbour Tug Small (Bronzewing Class). These were constructed by

Perris Engineering

in Brisbane in the 1960/70's and had a length of 15.2 meters.


While the deckhouse looks different the hull could be the same. Two of these tugs are still operated by the Sydney Heritage Fleet.


I have built a couple of 1:72nd scale models of these tugs.

[steve mahoney]

Derek: Yep, that is the only photo of her in NZ.


sjbatche: You might have nailed it! This is the photo from the WA Museum – looks very similar to your Bronzewing other than the wheelhouse. The Yanchep wheelhouse must have been altered again prior to its time in NZ. PM sent.


Thanks boys

[steve mahoney]

Following sjbatche's lead I did I bit more digging. After arriving in NZ the Yanchep was rename Tuahine and is still working here now. I was able to find a few photos online and have contacted the current owners.

It may have a hull similar to the Bronzewing class but the wheelhouse is quite different. The original, as seen in the photo above, was extended prior to its arrival in NZ.

There is a true Bronzewing class tug operating in Auckland – the Mollymawk. Both of these tugs would make great subjects and now I'm torn between the two of them. Mermod and sjbatche have both built very nice Bronzewings. Decisions, decisions. I might have to toss a coin. Or build both.

A bonus from this investigation has thrown up a new photo of the Yorke Syme, which I've been trying to track down for a while. It is moored and disused near Auckland and had a fire while unattended recently. At least I know where it is now.