Versatile performer

The Edwin Fox is reputed to be the ninth oldest ship still in existence and dates back to the Crimean War when it was used for ferrying troops from Europe to fight the Russians.

Later it transported convicts from England out to Australia and later still emigrants to New Zealand. It was also used to carry goods, particularly liquor at one time in its career and became known as the booze boat.

When sail gave way to steam it served in dock in New Zealand as a place to keep refrigerated meat but eventually was abandoned, only for the hulk to be rescued in 1999 by enthusiasts at Picton. The hull and lower decks remain in good shape after well over 150 years. Odd to walk through it after so many others, convicts included. Dave