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Pearling luggers are large boats used purely for pearl oyster fishing by the pearl divers. They carry two sails, slung from each of the two masts. The pearling luggers of the past were sail driven and designed to work windward, be stable, seaworthy and able to withstand lying on their bilges during the lay up season.
Photo courtesy of Mark Fogliani
Click here for an animation of a traditional lugger race which used to be held every year at the Shinju Matsuri festival
Present day luggers have greatly progressed and have been restructured to improve living conditions. They have changed out of recognition and features include deck houses for stearsmen, and helm or wheel steering instead of rope tackles. Sails are now seldom used and most of the boats are built with metal or fibre-glass.
Photo courtesy of Broome Pearls
| Many luggers carry a crew of nine; two divers, two tenders, an engine driver, three deckhands, and a cook. Luggers normally travel trips composed of ten days and gather as many as 6000 young pearl oysters for the pearl farm. The fishing season extends from mid March to December and young pearl oysters are collected from April to August. |
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