Famous cruiser is regular visitor
A 70-year-old timber motor cruiser which took part in the sinking of two Japanese mini-submarines during the Second World War is now a regular visitor to Hardys Bay, according to Mr Allan Wilson of the Hardys Bay Residents Group.
The 20.6 metre Silver Cloud, designed by Harold Halvorsen and launched in 1939, was mentioned in despatches over the pursuit, and the eventual sinking, of two of the three submarines which had penetrated the harbour defences.
At the time, a number of Halvorsen owners with boats exceeding 40 feet in length were requested by the authorities to hand over their vessels to assist the war effort.
Silver Cloud was decked out in naval colours and fitted with depth charges and Vickers machine guns.
Mr Wilson said that, at the end of the war, the Silver Cloud was severely burnt in an engine room fire at the Balmoral Naval Station before being returned to her owner.
She was subsequently acquired by the Halvorsen family who gradually restored the vessel to her old state of grandeur.
The cruiser has hosted royalty on a number of occasions, is believed to have been Australia's first floating casino and has featured in film documentaries, according to Mr Wilson.
It has been referred to as the "Jewel of Sydney Harbour" and the pride of the Halvorsen fleet, and has been used for numerous charity purposes.
The more recent restorations carried out by current owner businessman Mr Robert Hunter, who bought it four years ago, ensures that the vessel has all modern conveniences including state-of-the-art electronics, navigation, air conditioning, refrigeration and sanitary systems.
Mr Wilson said it had a generous main saloon, a dining area that seated eight, roomy galley, three double cabins each with a double bed, a double V berth which sleeps four and expansive outdoor entertaining areas on the bridge and fly decks.
There is an abundance of storage space which includes an engine room housing a well-equipped marine workshop with outboard motors, diving gear, refrigeration, generators and a fully-equipped laundry.
Newsletter, 8 Dec 2009
Allan Wilson, Hardy's Bay Resident's Group