to re-read the full story with imagery

Bintang Terang and “Roso”
Tony Cable
CYC Archives Committee
The CYC’s Coasters Retreat incorporates, Mickleborough’s
Corner. Occupied and influenced by Don, at least weekly. It is also
frequented, by members of his various redundant crews. (Some of
these tend to be on the larrikin side of the ledger.) Often, they are
reunited with a steady stream of like genre visitors, regularly
appearing from parts worldwide.
Looking over at the group, others would wonder “what those old
blokes were talking about?” Not realizing that it was all actually
“good stuff”. Even though, the pick of the stories, are rehashed too
much. But you see? The repetition is helpful to them, preventing
them from not forgetting the anecdotes. Even, if the accuracy of
the details actually “evolves” over time.
One chap, who has been coming in regularly, is 1958 vintage CYC
member, Rob McAuley. His first of 7 Hobarts, was on Metung, with
trips also on Tahuna, Southerly and Astor in ’60.’61,’62.
The point of mentioning McAuley, is that the other night, he also
related, an anecdote. One, about a chap he called “Roso” (pron.
Rose oh), who he had sailed with on Astor, when they won line
honours, 1961. As it happened, I also know Roso.
He was referring to Bruce Rosenberg, now a retired stockbroker
and one time Trading Floor “Operator” for Mullens & Co. Sydney.
As such, he was a contemporary of another one of our regulars,
Bruce “Jacko” Jackson, who had held the same job then, in the
early 60’s.
I too, was also there, on the “Floor,” as an original “Chalk Boy.”
There were two further coincidences. First, I moved on to the
above Mullens, as a Share Clerk. Second, I then worked there
beside former CYCA Commodore, John Messenger. Yes, I was at
the next desk to Messo 50 years ago!
Having set up all of this background I’ll continue with McAuley’s
story.

Rosenberg got his first ride to Hobart in 1957 on the first ever
Singapore entry. Bintang Terang (translated, “Bright Star”
according to my recent cab driver.)
Here is a copy of her write up from the 1957 Hobart Race
programme:
-----------------------------
Thornycroft had an inspired design. One might today describe it as
a “hybrid”. It took the essential features of a dhow, sampan, junk
and bumboat and melded them into a ----- slow boat.

The design philosophy gave her lines, which were as delicate as
those of a WW11 Corvette (which after all, was originally from a
whale ship plan.)
How long must it have taken to sail her from Singapore? It took
them days to do the Hobart. Doubtless fortuitously, assisted by the
fact that she was going down hill and perhaps, assisted with a
really good current!
She took over a week (7-5-13-12), arriving LAST, almost two days
after the previous; “Four Winds.”(5-14-18-43).
Now to close on McAuley’s punch lines:
“After finally making it across the line, for his first ‘Hobart’ Roso
walked into the bar of the Franklin, by Constitution Dock. Just as,
he’d been told to do, by his mates.
Most crews had long gone and the bar was empty, except for one
burley old waterfront chap, sitting alone.
With some truculence he asked the fresh faced newcomer.”
“Which boat did you come down on sonny?”
Roso proudly announced,
“Bintang Terang”
(Being green, he would not have known that the chap using the
local argot in conversation, would have actually called it, “the
Sydney Race”)
Upon this, the local said menacingly,
“I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU!
I DREW YOU IN THE SWEEP!”
*************
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix:
I must confess with humbleness, that I wrote the above description
of Bintang’s design, rather disparagingly. After writing this, I later
found the following portfolio of quality historical photos on the
National Archives site. These, providing great “Hobart” history from
1957.
At this late stage of my racing career, I unreservedly apologise for
the tenor of my earlier remarks. Bintang surely, is a dream vessel
to do a Hobart on. Why?
Comfortable and way up above the water.
No rail riding.
Sleeping to leeward, (to help the angle); warm.
Lunches; Singapore Chilli Crab, with Singah.
Boat song; “I’d like Ta Get, Ya. On a Slow Boat Ta China.”
An opportunity, for plenty of sea time.
When is she coming down again?
(All pictures herein, in this series are “Copyright Acknowledged” from National
Archives. Reprinted here for non-commercial purpose.)
Crew members of the 65-foot ketch "Bintang Terang" of Singapore await the start
of the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race in Sydney Harbour. (Left to right).Tony Saville (12)
of Sydney, Stephen Kian Lee and Ray Brook (Malayan mining engineer).Photo John
Tanner. 1958

The crew of the 65-foot ketch "Bintang Terang" of Singapore prepares for the start of
the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race in Sydney Harbour. (Left to right) Stephen Kian Lee,
Ray Brook (Malayan mining engineer) and owner-skipper Captain C.H.Hill-Willis.
Solo overseas entry among the 20 yachts was a 65-foot Ketch "Bintang Terang"
owned and skippered by Captain C.H. Hills-Willis, retired harbour master of
Singapore, who sailed his craft to Sydney especially to sail in the race.
(A great professional shot- T.C,)

Stephen Kian Lee, first Singapore crewman of Chinese parentage to take part in the
Sydney-Hobart annual yacht race, aboard Singapore ketch Bintang Terang on arrival
at Hobart. In the background is the Hobart Customs House. Photo, D.Stephens.
Stephen Kian Lee aboard Singapore ketch Bintang Terang at Hobart with Skipperowner
Capt. Hill-Willis and the Captain's daughter Elizabeth. Photo D Stephens

Stephen Kian Lee aboard Singapore ketch Bintang Terang at Hobart with Skipperowner
Capt. Hill-Willis. Photo, D. Stephens.
Bruce Rosenberg line honours Astor 1961
Photo credit. “The Sydney Hobart My 21 Years.” Brian Curtis, 1981 Libra Books.

Bruce Rosenberg sitting S.W. Corner; (bare feet in those days.).
Left, next to him black shirt & cap Bill “Twitty Bill” Thompson (+deceased). Left
shoulder, Garry Wheatly (+). Kneeling, Sandy Sonstrum, Terry Swanson,
above him, in beanie, Rob McAuley, Next (dark shirt) Brian “Vasco da Gama”
Warne (+), Smoking, Dr Bill Hughes (+), Ted Roberts. Brian,” The Bird Dog,”
Lancaster. Next to boom, Dale Munro. On left shoulder, skipper Peter Warner,
(white hat). Hand on boom, Max Crafoord (+), left of Max at top, John
Burgess.
Acknowledgements:
Rob McAuley for the story and editorial help. Also, for production assistance Steve
Old and Jennifer Crooks, (CYC Communications Officer).
Tony Cable