The Ketch Patteson 1934

The vessel which was completed for the Australian Board of Missions in January 1934 measures 46′ x 13′ x6’3″ (13.72 m x 3.96 m x 1.91 m).


January 19 1934
Leaving Sydney on January 19 she encountered heavy weather,  battling on, it was noticed that two large sharks were following the vessel.  The Patteson kept her engines running continuously for four days, with mountainous seas sweeping over the little vessel.  Finally, it was decided that the ketch should put into land to ascertain it’s exact where-a-bouts.  To the surprise of the crew, it was found that they were at Jervis Bay,  87 miles down the south coast when they had imagined they were well on their way north towards the New Hebrides. The ketch had traveled 800 miles during this time.
nThe Patteson proceeded back up the coast to Sydney,  and adjustments were made to the faulty compass and instruments. 

Her adventure didn’t end there.

In what was an amazing piece of navigation, during her second attempt to get to her destination she was forced back to Sydney after her rudder broke near Middleton Reef,  the crew were forced to sail 600 miles with the aid of a jury rudder back to Sydney for repairs.
The rudder consisted of two paddles from the small life boat, strapped to either side of the ketch.  Running into heavy weather and huge seas,  the paddles required two men to work,  it was extremely difficult and tiring to try and steer the vessel in heavy weather,  strong winds blew her many miles off course,  but she handled the conditions admirably, and was regarded by her crew as an exceptionally fine sea boat. 

Third attempt.
Leaving Sydney on March 8 for the third time, the crew must have been thinking “what next”, On this trip she battled through a cyclone between Lord Howe Island and Noumea and finally made their destination on March 21,  four days later than expected..

Details of vessel.

The   Patteson   was   built   at   Neutral   Bay at   the   yards   of   Mr.   Lars  Halvorsen,   and she   sailed   on   January   15   for   the   New Hebrides,  where   she   will   be   used   for mission   purposes. She   is   fully   rigged,  and   is   fitted   with  a   30   horse-power   Fairbanks-Morse-Diesel engine,  which   will   enable   her   to   maintain an   average   speed   of   eight  knots,   and   to attain   a   maximum   of   about   12   knots.   The main  cabin,   situated   in   the   centre   of   the ketch,   is   10   feet   long,   and  has   a   width   of 13   feet.   Quarters   are   provided   for   the crew  forward,   and   there   is   a   hold   aft   for passengers’   luggage  and   stores.   The engine-room   is   fitted   with  fuel   and   air tanks,  and  contains   a   dynamo   and   accessory engine  in   addition   to   the   main  equipment.   Electric   lighting   is   installed,  and a   small   searchlight   will  be   carried.

REF: Australian Maritime Museum – http://collections.anmm.gov.au/en/objects/details/64543/rig-and-sail-plan-for-ketchrigged-vessel-patteson;jsessionid=9AC31D95EAD0FB9A77E54BFEE5072C33?ctx=2898f0bb-0225-4dba-840d-86012ccd4700&idx=145