..................................................... Earl’s Anchorage is named in honour of Jack Earl, one of Australia's greatest yachtsmen and acclaimed marine artists.  Jack was a founding member of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, and in 1945 he was a co-founder of the now internationally famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. He is probably best known for his circumnavigation of the world in the "Kathleen Gillett”, the second Australian yacht to circumnavigate the globe. This double ended ketch was restored and given to the National Maritime Museum as Norway's bicentennial gift to Australia in 1988. It is now a permanent floating display at the Museum.

A nautical village in a tropical paradise
In January 2002 John Green, host of Earl's Anchorage and a 6th generation Islander, contacted architect Craig Pattinson of Sydney firm, Arcoessence Architects with an interesting brief: to design unique accommodation that would respond to the climate, topography and feel Lord Howe Island.

Some extra beds had recently been approved for this world-heritage listed island and the aim was for buildings that would be interesting and make a real contribution to the built form on the Island. Buildings which would support a really memorable stay in what has often been called the Last Paradise.

The pursuit of a nautical theme came from John Green, who since a child has been in awe of the achievements of the legendary yachtsman, adventurer, and marine artist, the late Jack Earl. Along with an interest in Jack Earl, John Green has a great passion for beautifully crafted handmade wooden boats, and is co-owner of Jack's last boat, the beautiful little timber yawl, Smoky Cape. Craig Pattinson was immediately fascinated and attracted to this, as he also had a background in sailing and a passion for beautifully crafted handmade wooden boats - as a teenager he built sailing dinghies with his grandfather.

A great deal of research followed. It was clear from the beginning to call each bungalow after a well known yacht, and before long the quest was to find out the names of all Jack's boats and the order in which he owned them.

"We are still trying to trace the hull shapes" says Craig Pattinson, " so a half model and a brief history of each yacht can be proudly displayed in relevant namesake bungalow.

On December 18, 2004 Earl's Anchorage was officially opened by Mick Morris the only surviving crew member of the Kathleen Gilletts history making circumnavigation in 1947/1948. MC for the evening was champion yachtsman Ian Kiernan AO chairman and founder of Clean up Australia. Ian is also the proud owner of Maris, another of Jack Earl's yachts .
 

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