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Picton
The
Edwin Fox is the world's ninth-oldest sailing vessel and was built
in India in 1853, as a trader.
She
was the last of her type and was constructed exclusively of teak
and saul timber in just 9 months and was to a British businessman
who named her Edwin Fox.
During
the Crimean War she reputedly carried Florence Nightingale and following
that campaign sailed for the southern oceans. Her duties included
sailing convicts to Western Australia and ale from England to India.
In
1873 the Edwin Fox was chartered by Shaw Savill Company to carry
immigrants to New Zealand from England. She was to make four voyages
carrying 751 passengers to the new colony.
Steamships
killed off the Edwin Fox's economic usefulness and she was towed
to Picton in 1897 where she ended her days as a floating freezer
and coal hulk.
In
1965 the Edwin Fox society was formed to save the vessel although
it wasn't until 1999 that she was given a new home in a dry dock
at Picton.
The
Edwin Fox Museum is a fascinating place to visit with displays of
many of the items found on her during the restoration.
The
museum is open Daily at 9am on the Dunbar Wharf, Picton Foreshore.
Ph: 64 (0)3 573 6868 Email: edwinfoxsoc@xtra.co.nz.
Coastal
Rail Service from Picton to Christchurch
Interislander
Ferry from Picton to Wellington
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