Classic Boatfest steams ahead at Lake MAcquarie

Almost 15,000 people ventured to the Toronto foreshore to take a glimpse at about 60 classic sailboats, steamboats and cruisers.

The main attraction at this year’s event was Notorious, a full-size recreation of a 15th-century caravel and Australia’s oldest ship reconstruction.

It was created by Graeme Wylie over nine years at his property at Bushfield in Victoria and has been in the water since it was launched in 2011.

Yesterday, Mr Wylie’s wife, Felicite, was busy manning the steady stream of attendees eager to take a look at the ship, which resembles the infamous Black Pearl from Hollywood blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean.

‘‘She’s very unique, she’s beautiful, she’s functional and built by one person,’’ Ms Wylie said of the 17.5-metre long replica. ‘‘We’ve been sailing since January 2012. We’ve spent more time at sea than at land – it’s a great life.

‘‘It’s not actually a pirate ship but they were favoured by pirates because of their speed and manoeuvrability. It’s called Notorious because these ships were notorious.’’

Riley Jones, 8, was eager to take a look at the ship with his grandpa, Jeff Jacobson, of Metford.

‘‘It’s awesome,’’ the youngster said.

Another boat with an interesting story behind it was the Smoky Cape, owned by well-known marine artist Ian Hansen.

It once belonged to famous marine artist and seaman Jack Earl.

He was the second Australian yachtsman to circumnavigate the globe in a vessel called the Kathleen Gillett.

‘‘This little boat, the Smoky Cape, is well-loved because so many people loved Jack,’’ Mr Hansen explained.