The Sophia Jane was a 256-ton schooner-rigged steamer. She was an auxiliary steamer, like all the early steamers, using her paddle wheels only when winds were inadequate or contrary.
Built in 1826 by Barnes and Miller at Ratcliffe,for the London-Margate run, she also ran between London and Calais and, under the ownership of the St George Steam Packet Co., between Liverpool and Douglas.
The Sophia Jane was 126ft x 20ft with a burden of 256 tons.
Her engines produced a mere 50nhp, yet when she was purchased by a Sidney firm, she steamed to Australia to become that country's first steamship, and the first to steam from Britain to Australia.
She arrived in Sidney on May 16th, 1831 and operated along the Australian coast until 1845.
Story of the Paddle Steamer by Bernard Dumpleton.
Tuvalu SG834