Aussie scow Moth pix discovered

I love pondering over old Moth Boat photos.  Brad Linthicum, a sail maker in southern New Jersey was cleaning out his files and sent me the two photographs shown here.  He couldn't remember why he had them or who had sent them to him.  Fifty years is a long time.

This first photo is of David Bowen who, according to a note on the back side of the photo was the 1967 Australian Champion. Further web searching reveals that David achieved this distinction sailing Mystique.  The notation doesn't indicate whether or not the boat seen here is Mystique or perhaps one of his other scow Moths.  Can any reader confirm or discount that theory?  Also, can anyone reveal the design of the boat in the photo or the place where this photo was taken?  Note the interesting "walking stick" mast.

This second photo is of Peter Holmes.  At least that's what's written on the back of the photo.  Peter was the New South Wales Champion in 1966.  The boat's design and name are not mentioned.  Mr. Holmes does seem very fit in this photograph!  Can anyone make out the venue?  The boat's sail number may be 2377 but it isn't entirely clear from this view.  I'd love to hear more about these old pictures so please comment if you can add to the story.

Update from Peter Moor: 1st photo is David Bowen with pocket luff hockey stick mast. Mystique was a manta ray "mouldie" - probably 3 layers of diagonally planked Australian red cedar. 2nd photo could be Peter Holmes also on a "mouldie" with a square top pocket luff sail which took over from the hockey stick masts because of their relative simplicity. Both photos Sydney Harbour Seaforth Moth Club, late 60s. NB; No wings or sun protection!

For those curious about the location of the Seaforth Moth Club paste Captain Barnacles'  map link (found below, in the comments for this post).  Thanks to both commenters! 

Mid-Nite Scow Boy: The Perverted Moth Blogspot

 

I recently discovered the Perverted Moth Blogspot.  The author of this blog, Markla, has been around since 2008 and starts off the first post by telling us that he hates us all and he particularly hates blogs.  He does this blog anyway but only because it's easier than creating a website.  He tells us not to expect updates anytime soon.  That was then.  Fair enough.  More recently he has updated Ray Hilton's Bunyip IX scow design and adapted it for carbon sandwich construction.  The first hull out of the female mold is sailing.  Curious?  You can read about it here.

Scow Moth Club

 

For those interested in or curious about the Australian Scow type Moth there's a relatively new facebook group hosted by a Japanese enthusiast named 大野信博

The scow design was the dominant and indigenous Moth type in Australia from the late 1920s to roughly the mid 1980s when narrow skiff type Moths finally displaced the scows.  Following a period of semi-extinction the Aussie Scow Moth, like the Classic Moth in the USA, is staging a revival.  Although out classed in overall racing,  the scow never lost its loyal band of devotees.  With the development of Scow Moth Club those devoted followers of the scow now have both a forum for sharing information plus a growing archive of period photos, design plans, newspaper clips,etc.  Additionally, new scows are being built and old survivors are being restored.  Can regattas catering to scows be far behind?  I think not!

More can seen here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/447722085340660/