The following information was obtained from an article written by David Winkworth & published on the NSW Sea Kayak Club's website.
The "St. Martin de Porres" began it's life as a backyard project of some 8 to 10 years. It had been on the water for a few years before coming to rest at Longnose Point. Motive power came from an auxiliary engine and it's gaff rigged sails.... vessels with this sail rig really only sail well downwind. This gaff rigged sailing yacht was of steel construction & 22 metres long.
In Christmas 1994 the owner and 4 of his children set out on a three hour cruise around Sydney Harbour. They ventured outside the heads with a strong NE wind blowing. A length of rope fouled the propeller leaving them pretty well at the mercy of the wind with their limited sail choice. They carried no radio. So they sailed south and were spotted by a yacht off Jervis Bay, having setup a V sheet distress sheet. This craft radioed the Jervis Bay Water Police for them and they were towed to HMAS Creswell.
At HMAS Creswell the fouled prop was cleared of the rope and they left Jervis Bay to return to Sydney one evening just before midnight to 'catch' a forecast southerly home.
Whether they turned left too early or encountered difficulties is not clear - they were not familiar with the area - but they were blown onto the rocks near Target Beach soon after midnight. They were not noticed until midday the next day - remember they carried no radio. Fortunately no-one was injured. The "St.Martin de Porres" was not insured & is now a battered & rusting wreck sitting on the rocks well away from the water.
Date of Shipwreck: 12/1994 Type of Boat: Sailboat Military or Civilian: Civilian Cause of Shipwreck: This was their first (and only) time they sailed outside Sydney Harbour. Despite not being familiar with Jervis Bay they set off at Midnight to sail back to Sydney. Accessibility: The wreck is accessible via a walking track through the adjacent National Park. Alternatively you can anchor in the lovely cove nearby & paddle over. Diving Permitted: no |
Visit Instructions:
Only log the site if you have visited it personally.
Floating over a site does not qualify as a find if it is a wreck that requires diving - you must have actually visited the site - therefore photos of the site are good.
Only log the site if you have visited it personally.
Floating over a site does not qualify as a find if it is a wreck that requires diving - you must have actually visited the site - therefore photos of the site are good.
