Kestrel is a glamorous Edwardian fan tailed steam launch built in the late 1890’s. She was restored and re-launched in 2004 by Alkira Boatshed.

Peter first fell in love with steam launches as a youngster. It was a trip on the Rose Marie, a 30ft open launch owned by Clive Stanfield and John Davis, and built on Sydney Harbour, which entranced him.

As an apprentice Fitter & Turner, with the Electricity Commission in 1959, he was able to get a very good grounding in all facets of steam engines. He has always been interested in boats, being an avid water skier on Narrabeen Lakes for many years.

Whilst looking for a boat to buy, Peter saw “Ethel” now named “Kestrel”, at Brooklyn, in a forlorn state. She had a 2 cylinder diesel in her bow and had come to the end of her useful life. She went up for auction at Birken Head Point but Peter was unable to afford her at that stage. Kestrel was bought, loaded onto a truck, stored in a shed and was forgotten for nearly 30 years by everyone except Peter.

Not to be outdone, he commissioned Peter Gillies, a boat builder from South West Rocks, to build a hull modeled on Rose Marie, the steam boat that first captured his imagination, all those years ago.

Soon after this hull was completed, Peter heard through the grape vine that Ethel, the beautiful Edwardian launch that he had so admired, was about to be cut up and dumped!

Unwilling to see this happen, Peter enlisted the help of Phil Heaney, of Alkira Boatshed, to check the boat out to see if she could be brought back to her original splendor. Peter then spent some time talking to the owner trying to convince him to sell him this vessel and after some period of delicate negotiations, he finally had his heart’s desire!

The hull was transported to Alkira Boatshed where she spent 3 years being restored and fitted out with a fully functioning steam engine. Peter bought an incomplete Vosper engine. The Vosper engines were made in the famous Portsmouth works in England. Built c1905, compound  3” + 6” x 5”, slide valve, Stephenson’s link reversing gear (SLRG), on 4 turned columns, crosshead driven fuel pump, 14 Indicated Horse Power (IHP), 350rpm with a keel condenser.

When he finished the engine he built the boiler!
The boiler consists of a horizontal drum, 2 water legs about 40 x ½” inclined, near horizontal water tube, 100 psi & a 10 gallon feed water tank. She runs on coal and happily we, in the Hunter Valley, have some of the world’s best coal to keep Ethel gliding along with minimum smoke!

Being a Fitter and Turner by trade he was able to turn up all the necessary components not only for the engine and the boiler, but also for the more decorative pieces like the curtain rail knobs.  Turning pieces of unyielding metal into beautiful and different shapes and sizes was an amazing effort and testament to his skill as a Fitter and Turner.

It was the attention to detail on behalf of the owner and his wife that made Kestrel’s restoration by Alkira Boatshed so enjoyable.

Originally an open boat, a half cabin and top were added to Kestrel’s neglected hull. The interior was meticulously researched by his wife Helen. The varnished cedar cabin sweeps aft.  The cabin has four stately curved seats that lead the eye to the fabulous gleaming brass engine. Curved drop down windows are shielded with elegant curtains. These are tied by cord and tassels and hang from rails as was the fashion at that period.

She was launched into Stoney Creek in December 2004. She tooted her whistle before leaving the dock and glided silently through the water with surprising speed.

An accomplished fitter and turner, an interest in steam engines, a love of being on the water and a supportive wife, have all combined to produce a perfect outcome for Peter, Helen and Kestrel.