history

In 1909 Norman Wright borrowed 200 pounds to start his own business at 67 Newstead Terrace, Newstead. His first commission was "Superb" (below), a shallow draught gaff-rigged center board yacht, built for James Hogan Smith.

firstboat

shed

But the first contract came with the building of the 56 ft ferry, "Olivene", which operated from Sandgate to Woody Point and Redcliffe for the Humpybong Steamship Company. Over the years to follow, Norman Wright's were involved with many projects that made history, typically, the building of "Francois" a 75 ft schooner and probably the largest racing yacht to be built by Wrights.

Following the outbreak of war in 1939, and particularly after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour in 1941, the building of recreational craft was suspended in the wake of a wholesale diversion of resources, towards the military effort.
The military authorities engaged the Norman Wright yard, to refit all types of small vessels for cargo work. The famous "Fairmile's" were well known in war and the Navy commissioned four of their 112 ft patrol boats for Norman Wright to build. (See right) After the return to peace time conditions in the late 1940s, there was a great demand for work boats such as trawlers, luggers, and vessels for the tourist resorts. During this period, the yard built boats for the Barrier Reef islands of Lindeman, South Molle, Orpheus, Magnetic and also Hayman Island.

In 1938 , "Taree" , a Norman Wright built 18ft Skiff, won the World Championship in Sydney. There is no question, that the racing success of Norman's two sons, Norman Jnr and Ronald brought considerable publicity to the boat yard and contributed to the noticeable demand for racing boats, during this time.