The Two Extremes Of Classic Boating
While at the 2014 Classic & Wooden Boat Parade on Lake Rotoiti at the weekend I had the opportunity to experience the two extremes of classic wooden boating.
Firstly on Saturday morning I was a invited for a tour of the bays by Russell Ward, the skipper of the steam boat ‘Romany’. I have a bit of a thing for steam so this was very special.
The days activities had been postponed due to crap weather- it drizzled all day, so getting out on the lake was a bonus.
Late in the day the opportunity arose to take a ride in Shawn & Cathy Vennell’s ‘Judy H’, a replica 19’6″ Chris Craft runabout powered by a 5.7 V8. Doing 75kph across the lake at dusk with a V8 roaring in your ear is stunning – the acceleration was like a drag car & the ride was so smooth. Now this may not appeal to the yachtie ww readers but myself & Chris Miller were ‘moved’ 🙂
When I get time tonight I will do a full post on the weekend (event ran on Sunday)
Launching video ex Chris Miller
Idling & Underway ex Alan H
waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news - updated daily 
Pingback: 3/4’s a Woody – Wild Horses | waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news
Amazing how the picture of a happy steamer tending his firebox on a drizzly day appeals to so many, his teeth could do with a clean though, tannin in the water?
LikeLike
Bruce, your depiction of the admiration of classic wooden boats would be very hard to beat so thanks for the read, it was a pleasure to take Alan and Chris for a blast on a clearing Saturday evening as just a touch of cabin fever had set in and we were all ready for a little action pre dinner.
The weekend was another beauty and for anyone who wishes to attend in future years don’t miss the Friday night get together as its a great way to set the scene for a great weekend.
So many great people and stories to hear about, one of which was from Paul Baragwanath who had a gorgeously restored Sailing Dinghy names Corsair while Paul was busy ogling with appreciation over Judy H, I was taken by his restoration and later found it was owned by his Grandfather, well folks if I was dead and buried and was fortunate enough to look down on my Grandson going to the lengths Paul did with Corsair I would be a happy man!
Happy sailing
Shawn
LikeLike
Alan, From about the age of 7, I became attracted to, aware of and fascinated by wooden craft powered by either engine or sail. As a youngster if I touched a boat, I was emotionally moved. If I boarded the craft, felt it respond to my presence by gently moving, I felt a connection.
For me, almost anything invented by Man to perform a physical task to achieve a human benefit has evolved to a thing of beauty.
This concept is no better exemplified than by wooden boats where evolution has determined their form to perform their function, ie, a fishing boat. All craft function in the common environment of water, so the immersed hull form, given the variations of that influence the immersed hull form, eg depth of water, climate, their purpose, often have a similar immersed hull form. Noticeable visible variation are determined by task and environment which is always of interest wherever the local craft are viewed.
As an appreciative discerning admirer of wooden boats, I have no prejudice against one or another, or another, or another. The true admirer may well, and often does, express a preference to best appreciate the environment and adventure that can only be experienced in a small craft afloat. My paramour is a yacht, my choice. For many, their paramour is a vessel with motive power. Such choice does not reject all others, as is the purpose of marriage. As boat owners and admirers, we are free to admire as we choose, all other examples, while still preferring our own boat. As a youngster, I admired and fantasised about owning a 38 foot Chris Craft, an amazing beautiful power boat. To blat across a beautiful lake in a Chris Craft would fulfil the fantasy of this yachtie.
Regards
Bruce
LikeLike