Monthly Archives: July 2013

Sierra

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SIERRA

words & photos from Dennis Christopher

‘Sierra’ is a general purpose workboat, designed and built by Joseph Fell of Kohukohu (Hokianga Harbour) & launched 3 May 1917. She is planked with two skins of Kauri over steam bent frames. Powered by a 120hp Ford Lees with a 2:1 twin disc gearbox. L – 42’6”, B – 11’2”, D – 3’6”.

Like most workboats, she has a very interesting history. She was built for Hokianga traders A. S. Andrews & Sons who had six stores dotted around the harbor. She carried passengers, general freight and was the official mail boat. Later on in her life she worked on the Auckland Harbour doing light towing duties and transporting men to and from the Bridge construction project. She also did general work and towing duties on the Manukau at the Glenbrook Steel Mill gas pilings.

“Sierra’s” days of hard work are over and she is now owned and cared for by Dennis Christopher of Panmure. “Sierra” is a regular competitor in the annual Tug boat race and parade on Auckland Anniversary Day and she won the Parry Trophy for the best presented retired vessel in 2009. A fitting tribute of how a piece of maritime history can be preserved and enjoyed.

 

Waitangi Relaunch

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WAITANGI

The big question around the waterfront was answered today when the 1894 Robert Logan snr. classic yacht Waitangi was re-launched following her recent ‘refurbishment’. As the photo’s shows, Henry Ford would approve – she is black. There had been some ‘debate’ as to whether W should revert back to the white that she sported for a large part of her life, while across the ditch in Australia. Personally I like the black & it makes her the only classic you can sight from a distance & say ‘there’s Waitangi’.

A crowd of over 100 assembled at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron on Sunday to celebrate & reflect on Waitangi’s history and the achievements made to ensure her future is preserved. The Classic Yacht Charitable Trust is a wonderful group of people & their vision, passion & tenacity for classic wooden boats is to be admired & supported. Check out their website http://classicyachtcharitabletrust.org.nz to view their fleet & the many ways you can become involved.AH

A pictorial record of her restoration can be viewed here http://classicyachtcharitabletrust.org.nz/gallery.htm?gallery_id=51