The ship was built at A. MacMillan & Son Ltd., Dumbarton, as yard number 258 and was launched in 1884 as the Derwent for Devitt & Moore, London.

Dimensions:

Length            275' 0"

Beam               40' 2”

Draught            23' 7"

1970 GRT

1890 NRT

1805 tons  (under deck).

Official British Reg. No. 89640

Signal letters JRQB

Rigged with royal sails over double topgallant sails.

One of the first sailing ships equipped with a steam donkey engine.

Employed in the Australian wool trade and was credited with the following passages:

Sydney to Lizard Point 77 days

Sydney to Penzance 74 days

• A painting of the vessel is at:

http://www.stanhugill.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/pantings/paint2-13.htm

• A chronological list of Devitt and Moore sailing ships is at:

http://www.bruzelius.info/Nautica/Ships/Owners/Fleet_lists/Devitt&Moore.html

• A chronological history of the “Derwent” is at:

http://www.bruzelius.info/Nautica/Ships/Merchant/Sail/D/Derwent(1884).html

• The company’s flag is at:

http://www.hampshireflag.co.uk/world-flags/allflags/gb~hfd.html#dev