Broad Bean 77 Dinghy History

Broad Bean 77 is a clinker-built dinghy with a rich history tied to World War Two. It served as a tender to the yacht Kestrel, which was crucial in servicing Eclipse Island during the war years. Named humorously by Stan Austin, it got its name because George Pannet had a much smaller dinghy called Sweet Pea.

From 1940 to 1952, Broad Bean 77 played a vital role in transporting supplies and people from boats like Dauntless, Kestrel, and Kia Kia to Eclipse Island. At Eclipse, a unique system was used where a basket or cargo net would be hoisted over 12 meters above the dinghy to a timber landing.

During its service, Broad Bean 77 was also used for landing at Breaksea Island to maintain the lighthouse. Notably, it extinguished the lighthouse light at 2 a.m. when Australia entered the war with Japan. Additionally, it assisted the Naval Ancillary Patrol on Michaelmas Island and collected bales of rubber washed ashore from a sunken vessel.

In the 1950s, Broad Bean 77 helped survey Princess Royal Harbour with the Public Works Department. Post-war, it continued to serve as the Kestrel’s tender for leisure activities, including picnics and outings.