130yo Rose F a labour of love

Moored in Casuarina Harbour since 1996 is a piece of living history – a pearl lugger from the 1880s.

The 130-year-old, hand-crafted, retired working vessel was uncovered as a wreck in the Fremantle Harbour by sailing enthusiast Phil Norton 22 years ago.

Mr Norton spent years tracking down the perfect boat to restore for his own pleasure.

And he fell in love with the wooden Rose-F, which he said cost him more time than money to return it to its former glory.

Mr Norton said since owning Rose-F he discovered many fascinating stories about the WA pearling industry.

“When the Japanese bombed Broome the Navy confiscated three pearl luggers, including the Rose-F, and sent them to Perth so the Japanese could not take them over, ” he said.

Mr Norton has received several calls from people with connections to the vessel, from all around Australia.

One woman, a clairvoyant, boarded the boat because she was interested to see if the boat had a story to tell.

“I’m a bit sceptical of clairvoyants, but she believed there was a ghost on board whose name was Samuel, ” Mr Norton said.

“Later I read a book which mentioned Samuel as being the skipper.

“I don’t know how she could have known that.”

Mr Norton said the boat’s colourful past added to its appeal.

“It’s a bit of lost history and keeps me interested, ” he said

“I’m always researching and reading about the boat.

“My life is beautiful and I love the adventure.”

In the coming months, Mr Norton plans to revamp the Rose-F’s exterior and motor.

He said he found himself in the boat building industry by accident after he received a small yacht as thanks for helping his mate.

As a panel beater by trade, Mr Norton figured boat building and restoring would not be too different.

He did not grow up sailing but, along with his son Glen, plucked up the courage and learnt all he could.

On their maiden voyage to Dampier, Mr Norton bought a boat-building business, cementing his passion and starting a 30-year education on WA’s pearling history