Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
During Australia’s post‑war boating boom, catamarans surged in popularity, particularly among do‑it‑yourself sailors seeking speed, simplicity, and affordability.
This Australian Colour Diary film from 1965 looks at the growing enthusiasm for catamarans, lightweight twin‑hulled craft that could be built inexpensively and sailed at remarkable speeds. With organised catamaran associations operating across nearly every Australian state, these boats quickly became central to weekend sailing and amateur racing culture.
The film highlights the defining features of catamarans, including their light construction, fibreglass hulls, and the use of centre plates instead of traditional heavy keels. Capable of skimming across the water at speeds up to 18 knots and beyond, catamarans proved they could outperform many orthodox yachts. Though initially met with scepticism from traditional sailors, a turn at the tiller was often enough to change minds.
Brightly dressed in multicoloured sails, catamarans brought the thrill of sailing to an ever‑widening group of Australian enthusiasts, marking a moment when innovation and accessibility reshaped recreational boating.
The Australian Diary Series (1947–1970) captures everyday life, industry, and innovation in mid‑20th‑century Australia. To watch more Australian Diary films visit:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCED13FCE809FD297
From the Film Australia Collection, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
Title: Australian Colour Diary. No. 25
NFSA ID: T6SPX98H
Catalogue ID: 12680
Year: 1965
Credits:
Production company: Australian National Film Board
Director: Reg Edwards
#catamarans #sailinghistory #australiancolourdiary #boatinglife #maritimehistory #nfsa #filmaustraliacollection
During Australia’s post‑war boating boom, catamarans surged in popularity, particularly among do‑it‑yourself sailors seeking speed, simplicity, and affordability.
This Australian Colour Diary film from 1965 looks at the growing enthusiasm for catamarans, lightweight twin‑hulled craft that could be built inexpensively and sailed at remarkable speeds. With organised catamaran associations operating across nearly every Australian state, these boats quickly became central to weekend sailing and amateur racing culture.
The film highlights the defining features of catamarans, including their light construction, fibreglass hulls, and the use of centre plates instead of traditional heavy keels. Capable of skimming across the water at speeds up to 18 knots and beyond, catamarans proved they could outperform many orthodox yachts. Though initially met with scepticism from traditional sailors, a turn at the tiller was often enough to change minds.
Brightly dressed in multicoloured sails, catamarans brought the thrill of sailing to an ever‑widening group of Australian enthusiasts, marking a moment when innovation and accessibility reshaped recreational boating.
The Australian Diary Series (1947–1970) captures everyday life, industry, and innovation in mid‑20th‑century Australia. To watch more Australian Diary films visit:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCED13FCE809FD297
From the Film Australia Collection, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
Title: Australian Colour Diary. No. 25
NFSA ID: T6SPX98H
Catalogue ID: 12680
Year: 1965
Credits:
Production company: Australian National Film Board
Director: Reg Edwards
#catamarans #sailinghistory #australiancolourdiary #boatinglife #maritimehistory #nfsa #filmaustraliacollection
