Community
18 April, 2025
Up the creek
AN historic sailing vessel that has stood the test of time for 123 years risks being sunk after the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron was unable to get reasonable insurance cover.
‘Wanderer’ is an 11m-long rare and significant vessel, designed and built in 1902 in Maryborough, originally as a gaff-rigged fore and aft auxiliary schooner, later converted into a powered monohull.
The boat was donated to the squadron by Peter Moss, who had it previously insured for $50,000 at a premium cost of $2300.
But squadron rear commodore Doug Macleod said their insurance broker had approached 12 insurers, with nine rejecting coverage and three not responding, despite the vessel passing a marine craft insurance risk assessment. Eventually the broker provided a quote of $6400 which was deemed too expensive by the squadron.
“It is a Queensland Government requirement that vessels be insured in their waters and to use marinas/slipways,” Mr Macleod said.
“Usage of marinas is essential to resupply vessels with fuel and supplies,” he said.
At the moment the Wanderer is moored to piles in Trinity Inlet on the other side of the waterway, about 400m south of the squadron. It cannot be legally moored at pontoons alongside the squadron’s property.
Mr Macleod said it was a frustrating and disappointing time for the squadron.
Mr Macleod said the squadron was aware of other older, timber vessels whose owners could not get coverage as well.
“This means many vessels are not adequately insured as they can’t comply with regulations and this often leads to abandonment and unsafe vessels in these waters,” he said.
“Wanderer is an example and has historically links to this northern area, being involved in some of the first recreationnal events in Queensland, one of the escort vessels during the Prince of Wales visit in 2022, as a ferry, fishing vessel, transport and delivery to outposts along the coast, including missions, a rescue vessel in cyclones, military service during World War II, delivering materials to various fortifications.”
Mr Macleod said the vessel had been anti-fouled, received minor repairs and was positively surveyed.
“Approaches to obtain insurance by our agent throughout the country have been unsuccessful,” he said.
“As a result, unfortunately Wanderer will have to be disposed of as it is unable to be insured.”
Mr Macleod said the vessel could be moved to a slipway, a hardstand or a marina in the event of bad weather.
He said the squadron wanted to use Wanderer as a safety or radio vessel and for training purposes. It would only stay close to shore and travel as far north as Double Island and east to Green Island.
Commodore Peter Mitchell, who has also unsuccessfully tried to get insurance cover for the boat, said it was a shame.
“It’s a bit disappointing that an underwriter is not prepared to take a risk,” he said.
“Being 123-years-old is proof in itself that it has survived that long.”
Insurance broker Sonya Waugh of Regional Insurance Brokers said she was only able to find one insurer willing to provide cover – Club Marine.
She said unfortunately the age of the vessel, plus that it was made of timber, meant insurers were not prepared to take the risk.
