The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) at Darling Harbour will present a special exhibition celebrating the legacy of Queensland boatbuilder Norman R. Wright & Sons, tracing the yard’s evolution from timber launches and pilot boats through to composite fast cruisers and high-profile commissions for government and defence.
The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) at Darling Harbour will present a special exhibition celebrating the legacy of Queensland boatbuilder Norman R. Wright & Sons, tracing the yard’s evolution from timber launches and pilot boats through to composite fast cruisers and high-profile commissions for government and defence.
Billed as a “once in 117-year showcase”, the exhibition will run for five days only, from 16 to 20 January 2026, with an on-water display along the museum’s Heritage Wharf (also described as the museum’s heritage wharf). Over the five days, museum visitors will be able to view and learn about a collection of 18 classic Norman R. Wright vessels assembled to provide what organisers describe as a rare and comprehensive snapshot of more than a century of Australian boatbuilding excellence.
For more than 117 years, the Brisbane-based family business has played a significant role in the nation’s marine industry, producing everything from small tenders to large luxury yachts for coastal and inland waterways. Across generations, the Wright family has combined traditional craftsmanship with evolving marine technology, while also training skilled boatbuilders who went on to carry their expertise throughout Australia, extending the yard’s influence well beyond Queensland. The exhibition provides a close look at the design, construction and legacy of Norman R. Wright & Sons, showcasing vessels that have supported working life, recreation and leisure on the water for more than a century.
The collection has been assembled through extensive liaison with owners and careful planning for delivery and display.
“This will be by far the largest gathering of Wrights vessels for a very long time,” said Bill Wright, who has worked on the project for the past six months, tracking down the boats, liaising with owners and organising the logistics for delivery and display.
Boats are expected to arrive in Sydney progressively, with the line-up taking shape as vessels arrive between now and 15 January ahead of the public opening.
The diverse showcase is positioned as both a tribute to the depth of talent at Norman R. Wright & Sons and a celebration of the enduring appeal of timber yachts and their modern composite counterparts.
“It has been a massive undertaking,” Bill acknowledged.
“We’re looking forward to presenting a wide range of vessels that represent many different styles of boats from every era – from the 1900s to 2010, as well as classics that have been restored and well-maintained over the decades.”
While every craft in the line-up carries its own story, several vessels have been highlighted for their heritage significance, build technique, or representative place in the yard’s output.
Royal Australian Navy Admiral’s Barge (12 metres, built 1992; in service from 1993)
Among the standout commissions on display is the Royal Australian Navy’s Admiral’s Barge, a 12-metre cold-moulded timber ceremonial launch designed in 1992 for the Navy’s VIP Boat Squadron. Built in Brisbane on a scaled Amity-class pilot-boat hull and powered by twin Perkins diesels delivering around 20 knots with a draught under one metre, the barge combines genuine sea-keeping with the traditional sheer and detailing expected of a royal-barge-style vessel. In service from 1993, it carried Admirals, officials and visiting dignitaries on Sydney Harbour, including Queen Elizabeth II during the 2011 Royal Visit, and stands as a prime example of how the Wright yard applied its pilot-boat and patrol-craft experience to ceremonial craft at the highest level of naval protocol.
Serendipity (Navigator-series fast day boat, 42-foot; launched 2010)
Also on display will be Serendipity, a 42-foot Navigator-series fast day boat launched in 2010. Measuring 12.8 metres in length with a 4.23-metre beam and shallow 0.69-metre draft, her moulded-composite hull and twin Yanmar six-cylinder diesels drive her to around 30 knots. Her Down East profile combines a large open cockpit aft with an enclosed wheelhouse and compact accommodation, delivering a practical balance of speed, range and comfort for quick runs and overnight cruising on Moreton Bay and along the coast.
Magellan (44-foot cold-moulded timber express cruiser / long-range, fast timber motor yacht; built 1988)
Another highlight is Magellan, a 44-foot cold-moulded timber express cruiser built in Brisbane in 1988 for Brisbane businessman Byrne Ford. Her hard-chine hull, tank-tested at the Australian Maritime College and based on one of the yard’s renowned pilot boats, allows her to lift onto the plane and run comfortably at speed across Moreton Bay and beyond. Later acquired by principal designer Bill Wright as his private yacht, Magellan is now a familiar and much-admired sight at classic boating events on the bay.
Constructed in Douglas fir with the trademark Wright sheer and purposeful wheelhouse, Magellan blends working-boat heritage with the comforts of a modern cruiser. Beneath her classic lines lies a spacious cockpit, welcoming saloon, galley and berths, making her equally at home stretching her legs offshore or hosting family and friends for a fast picnic run.
Bill’s own boat, 44-foot Magellan – described as a long-range, fast, timber motor yacht built in 1988, will join the line-up as vessels arrive ahead of the event.
Jannett (20-foot; built 1911 – the oldest surviving Wright vessel still in use)
The exquisite 20-foot Jannett, built in 1911, will be the oldest boat on show. It is also described as the oldest surviving Norman R. Wright vessel still in use – a key marker of the yard’s early era and the longevity of well-built timber craft.
Bali Hai II (80-foot; built 1964)
The on-water display will include the iconic 80-foot Bali Hai II, built in 1964, representing the scale and stature achieved by the yard during a period remembered for major timber yachts and commercial-grade craftsmanship.
Bali Hai
South Pacific II (75-foot; launched 1962 as “Beryl May”; recently refitted)
Also included will be South Pacific II, a 75-foot vessel launched in 1962 as “Beryl May”, and noted as having just undergone a major refit for her current owners. The refit is highlighted as a contemporary example of how traditional timber character can be preserved while integrating modern materials and systems where appropriate.
In addition to these larger and historically significant vessels, the exhibition will feature a variety of smaller craft including dinghies and racing yachts, further reflecting the breadth of Norman R. Wright & Sons’ output across working boats, recreational craft and performance designs.
South Pacific II
Additional named vessels included in the exhibition line-up
Beyond the vessels detailed above, other named craft featured in the exhibition include, Dolphin II, Anuha, Careening Bay, Bandanna, and Restless, each with its own story reflecting the breadth and depth of the Norman R. Wright & Sons portfolio.
The exhibition also acknowledges the materials and engineering pathways that have supported both original builds and restoration work across decades. ATL Composites is described as being proud to be a trusted supplier to Norman R. Wright & Sons for the past 45 years, and a partner in events such as the biennial Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart.
“Many of the Wrights’ boats on display at the Australian National Maritime Museum from 16 to 20 January were either built with or restored using ATL products,” Bill stated.
Lorraine Duckworth, Director at ATL explained, “Over the years we have worked closely with the Team at Norman R Wright and Sons, initially supplying WEST SYSTEM epoxy resin, hardeners and powder modifiers, then introducing Techniglue Structural Adhesives in the 90s. “We continued to expand the type of products over the years and also added engineering support when required.”
Bandanna
Careening Bay
Dolphin
Ontario for Sydney
The recent refit of South Pacific II is specifically cited as an example of this intersection between heritage timber and contemporary composites. The works focused on restoring the timber, which is part of its character and authentic appeal. But for longevity, durability, strength, UV resistance and light-weight characteristics, composites were ideal for certain sections of the vessel.
“Retrofitting the latest Humphree fin stabilisation technology into a vessel that was designed and built over 60 years ago was certainly always going to offer some structural challenges,” noted Nicholas Cossich from ATL Composites.
“Both internal and external orthotropic carbon fibre epoxy laminates were ultimately chosen to encapsulate a section of the hulls’ existing 40mm spotted gum planking, thereby offering the most structural effective solution for transfer of each 3 tonne fin load.
“The choice of KINETIX Laminating epoxy, WEST SYSTEM 105 resin and 206 Slow hardener, and G-FLEX toughened adhesive ensured tenacious secondary adhesion to even these most difficult to bond timbers and the carbon fibre strain rates were perfectly matched to the planking, frames and stringers.
“The design, timber choices and quality craftmanship of the Norman Wrights & Sons boatbuilders of the time undoubtedly made what was already a complicated engineering task that much easier. It is very apparent that this legacy of perfection continues to this day and is part of the current highly skilled team of boatbuilder’s DNA, resulting in the seamless integration of old and new vessel technology.”
With 18 distinctive vessels on display, visitors are encouraged to allow time to explore both the craft themselves and the stories behind each boat. At the Norman R. Wright & Sons’ showcase at the Australian National Maritime Museum, yacht connoisseurs will be in their element, and the craftsmanship and creativity of the boats on show will resonate with people who appreciate the allure of the sea and boating adventures.
“We hope the public enjoys the display, as there’s something for everybody,” Bill Wright added.
The team from Norman R. Wright & Sons will be in Sydney for the showcase, and on hand to meet interested visitors to explain the history and heritage of every vessel on display.
For more information, visit the museum website at https://www.sea.museum/en/whats-on/events/norman-r-wright
