Jessie Kelly

[shipstamps]

Topsail schooner Jessie Kelly, built in 1866 by N. Niccol at Devonport, is featured on the 10c stamp. Her length was 110 ft., breadth 22 ft. 7 in. and depth 11 ft. Niccol was for many years Auckland's foremost shipbuilder and had his yard at Mechanic's Bay. Later he transferred to a patent slip he built at North Shore. The Jessie Kelly was the first vessel to be built and launched from North Shore and it is claimed that she was never outsailed. SG1072

[aukepalmhof]

She was the first vessel launched from H. Nichol, North Shore, Devonport yard, and built for Capt. Kelly from Sydney.
Built as a wooden topsail schooner in 1866, and named JESSIE KELLY.
Tonnage 145 tons, dim. 110 x 22.7 x 11ft.

The JESSIE KELLY, which had never been outsailed before, made news in 1873 when she raced with the Sydney built schooner NOUMEA up to New Caledonia.
The NOUMEA on her maiden voyage, after both vessels had cleared Sydney Heads in company on 25 August it was thought that the JESSIE KELLY had at least been caught up with by a better vessel.
But the JESSIE KELLY arrived far ahead at New Caledonia.

She was lost, when she was leaving Nelson Bay, Port Stephens NSW, Australia, under command of Capt. J.Conway, after sheltering from adverse weather.
She ran on the rocks at North Head and was a total loss.
Her remains were later auctions for only £4.

Sources: Out of Auckland by Clifford Hawkins. Australian Shipwrecks Volume 3 by Jack Loney.