History
The very first
James Underwood (1771-1844) holds his place in early Australian history for he was the founder of Australia’s first boat building yard - ‘Underwood’s Yard’.
It was in 1798 that the keel was laid for the Colony’s first private boat. At 38 feet on the keel, and 44 tons burthen, the new vessel ‘Contest’ was a modest beginning for both Underwood and the Colony, a far cry from what was to come.
From those humble beginnings, James Underwood, alongside business partner Kable, went on to build numerous vessels for trade, sealing, and transport, including the 200 tonne King George, Australia’s first fully-rigged ship.
James came out to Australia as a convict aboard the third fleet ship the Admiral Barrington. It didn’t take long for James to find his feet in the strange new land; learning the trade of boatbuilder and setting up home and shipyard at the mouth of Tank Stream in Sydney Cove.
Sydney Gazette - 4th September, 1803
James and his brother Joseph grew to be wealthy businessmen and traders, with interests ranging from sealing to boat building to distilling. James is also known for being Australia’s first commercial distiller.
Six generations have since passed and James’s great-nephew, Tom Robinson, is continuing the legacy of James and his brother Joseph, honouring their family name.
