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Chowder Bay
Fast Motor Boat (FMB) No 45802, aka ‘Sydney’, dates to 1945 and served as Captain’s launch on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney (1948 to 1973). Meanwhile, the 'Fitzroy' ferry dates to 1928 and had a much humbler existence. In their own ways, these vessels played vital roles in Australia’s maritime narrative. Both are now subject to meticulous restoration efforts, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern conservation techniques.
The rebirth of a navy motor boat
FMB No 45802 is a 30-foot, timber Captain’s launch and the only remaining vessel of its kind in Australia, making it of great historical interest. It was built for the British aircraft carrier, HMS Terrible; however, this vessel was renamed HMAS Sydney after it was sold to Australia.
HMAS Sydney saw action during the Korean War, in Malaysia and in the Vietnam War. When the carrier was decommissioned, FMB No 45802 survived. After an extended period out of action, the Harbour Trust took custody of it in 2000 and oversaw its restoration as a ‘work-for-the-dole’ project. From this time, the vessel was nicknamed ‘Sydney’.
Between 2008 and 2010, ‘Sydney’ underwent further repairs. It was moved to Cockatoo Island, where Harbour Trust restoration volunteers replaced its engine, overhauled the propeller shaft and steering, restored the woodwork and overhauled the electrical system. ‘Sydney’ was subject to additional works from 2019.
‘Fitzroy’ ferry comes home
While ‘Sydney’ travelled widely, the 30-foot ‘Fitzroy’ ferry is an unsung local hero. Dating to 1928, it was constructed from spotted gum and was designed by naval architect David Carment. It is one of only two remaining vessels constructed by Cockatoo Island Dockyard apprentices. Throughout its working life, it played a vital role, ferrying dockyard workers between the island and surrounding areas.
Upon its retirement in 1963, the ferry passed into private ownership and resided in Pittwater, undergoing a series of modifications, including the fitting of a new engine.
Remarkably coming full circle, ‘Fitzroy’ was obtained by the Harbour Trust in 2024 and returned to Cockatoo Island, where it awaits restoration – hopefully in time for its centenary in 2028.
The volunteers behind the vision
Harbour Trust volunteers don’t just carry out restoration and conservation projects. They also assist visitors, carry out gardening and run tours – amongst many other things. Some volunteers have ready-made skills, such as engineering, woodworking, metalworking and welding; some have marine and automative backgrounds; others come with nothing more than a desire to help and a willingness to learn after a lifetime of white-collar work. The Harbour Trust oversees and enables everything, but the volunteers do the lion’s share of the work, making ‘the magic’ possible.
Recently, the impressive team of volunteers who restored a trio of Cockatoo Island’s steam cranes won ‘Highly Commended’ in the ‘Enduring’ category at the 2025 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards.
The dream becomes a plan
The Harbour Trust envisions members of the public being able to travel aboard both the ‘Sydney’ and ‘Fitzroy’ one day.
Before ‘Sydney’ can carry the public, it will need to be registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority – a process which is complex, especially as it has never been a private vessel – so it will need to be fully surveyed. ‘Fitzroy’ is on the historic register, which makes the process somewhat less arduous.
Once they are in use, both vessels will be kept on Cockatoo Island. Imagine a day, not too far away from now, when you might have a chance to travel to – and circumnavigate around the island – aboard the ‘Sydney’ or ‘Fitzroy’. This is a possibility because of the work of the Harbour Trust and its talented volunteers.
To read the full story, see the September 2025 issue of Signals Magazine, a publication of the Australian National Maritime Museum.
