Korowai – Sailing Sunday

Posted on by

PH-NEG-C35891 1

IMG_3772

KOROWAI – Sailing Sunday
photos & details ex Ben Shields

WW has had an inquiry from Ben seeking information on the 1948 32′ Woollacott Korowai (F8). Ben thinks she is a ‘Mayfly’.

What do we know about her?

I’m currently at Lake Rotoiti for the Classic & Wooden Boat Parade weekend, look out early next week for some stunning photos 😉

Harold Kidd Input

Korowai was built by Shipbuilders Ltd in 1950 for Richard Rolphe Judd of 10 Cumberland Ave.
She was 31’6” x 9’x 4’9” which makes me think she was a MAY design.

9 thoughts on “Korowai – Sailing Sunday”

  2. Hello. My name is Pat Goldstiver (formerly Burkitt). My family and I lived in New Plymouth. Dad purchased ‘Korowai’ in about 1956 (?) after the family outgrew our previous yacht. We used to drive up to Auckland for Xmas holidays and long weekends. He bought her off a gentleman who lived on a steep hill above Westhaven. Unfortunately I can’t remember his name. We had so many adventures around the Gulf – which only made my love of sailing become my passion – which resulted in later years into sailing around the Pacific and doing a Sydney – Hobart race in 1997 and much more. I have a colour photo of Korowai taken about 1958 or therabouts if you would like a copy. Pat Goldstiver. 021 491 652.

    Like

  3. Hello All
    just put the tape over her its 32 foot Beam 8/6″ so it looks like its a MayFly but the WL on a Mayfly is 25″ Korowa its 28″ ?

    Like

  4. My mate Barry Brickell (alas, recently deceased) and I sailed on RAUMATI when Dane Macky owned her. Two great guys.

    Like

  5. Robin
    Thanks, and I have made an error re Raumati, and you are correct she is a Big may, along with Shadow, Lady Pat, Hope & White Water.

    Like

  6. Raumati ex Big May is larger as evidenced when they were on the hard together at Okahu bay 80s early 90s

    Like

  8. Yes Harolds comments on her dimensions certainly match those of the May Design. Her sister ships will then be Raumati, Atarangi, Tanganui & Ranganui.

    Like

  9. Hello Alan,

    During the 1970s Korowai was owned by Eric Roberts and moored at Shelly Park, Howick.

    I recall that in those days she had a Ford 10 petrol engine, with no reverse, so could be quite difficult to manoeuvre into her cradle for the annual shave and haircut.

    After Eric died she was sold, and I remember seeing her on the handstand at Akarana being given a major overhaul.

    It’s great to see her looking so good

    Cheers Alistair Rowe 0276644581

    Like

Leave a comment