The Polly Woodside. by blinkings
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Description
The enchanting 1885 tall ship, the Polly Woodside, is a tangible reminder of Australia�s rich maritime history and of the importance of such ships to the settlement and development of the nation. She was launched in Belfast, Ireland by Workman Clark & Co Ltd - one of the largest of the British shipbuilders. The owner was William Woodside, a Belfast ship owner, and the ship was given his wife Marian�s nickname, 'Polly'.
Between 1885 and 1904 the ship made 17 trips to all parts of the world, including Europe and the US, Africa and Australia, and rounded the infamous Cape Horn 16 times.
In 1904 she was sold to a New Zealand firm and renamed Rona and operated mainly between Australia and New Zealand. Eventually the increased competition provided by steamships meant that the ship had the mast and yards removed and was towed to Melbourne to be used as a coal lighter.
In 1943 the Rona was temporarily requisitioned by the Royal Australian Navy and towed to New Guinea waters for use as a refueling barge for naval ships.
After the Second World War, the ship was towed back to Melbourne, and for the next 20 years was again used for supplying coal to other ships.
She now proudly attracts visitors from all over the world. Her main mast in as high as a ten storey building!
Comments (10)
cfulton
That is quite a history - I was not to impressed with her becoming a coal Polly, then again at least she was used and not scraped. She has seen a lot in her life and deserves this resting place. I like the contrast of the modern city, Clive
Crabbycabby
Wow. What a history.
kgb224
A very beautiful sight to see my friend.
durleybeachbum
How very exciting it must be to visit.
alanwilliams
The old and the new cheek by jowl, makes for an interesting picture and the history of her is fascinating.
bimm3d
wonderful POV!!
jayfar
A wonderful coming together of ancient and modern, a lovely clear shot and good info.
Faemike55
Very beautiful ship! I'm glad they restored her
bmac62
She has quite a story to tell...thanks for the introduction:)
danapommet
Great history lesson Andrew and what an impressive ship. I think that the area is so open, for display, on all sides. Plus a super capture. Dana