The Restoration of Rehutai
The 43’ launch Rehutai was built by Sam Ford in 1926 and has been owned by Tony Whyman, of Wellington, for the last 25 years, having bought her in November 1994 in Picton, off Lex Parkes, who Tony believes, had her for many years. Tony sailed her to Evans Bay, Wellington, where she still lives.
Post purchase Tony took her ashore and commenced a major refit & refurbish, from 1994 to 1997, the work we see above was undertaken by Tony and a boatbuilder working full time, with the help of others working part time.
When purchased she was powered by a ‘tired’ 6 LW Gardner diesel, which Tony replaced during the re-fit with a new John Deere diesel, derated to 186hp.
Post the work, Tony and family ended up with a very smart woody that they use frequently and should be around for many more years to come.
(Photos and details ex Tony Whyman, via Ken Ricketts – edited by AH)

Last Chance to Check Out the Logan A Class Guff Fleet
If you haven’t yet seen the A Class Gaff Classic Yacht Exhibition – make the effort to visit the Viaduct this Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Details below & a sneak peek via one of Roger Mills stunning drone videos.
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Hi Trevor – I can not change the email address. You are in fact ‘following’ the website, if you ‘hover the cursor arrow over the bottom right corner of the WW home home a panel will appear . This is where you can update your details.
Kind Regards Alan
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Please note that my email address has changed to trevorhcrawford@gmail.com
Regards,
Trevor Crawford.
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Very excited to see this update on my dad’s (Lex Parkes) launch the Rehutai. My grandad (William Parkes) owned it before my dad. We had a wonderful life in the Marlborough Sounds thanks to the launch.
I would love to see photos of the inside of the launch now that you have done so much work on it.
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John Street of the Classic Yacht Trust got her into Auckland a few weeks ago and she’s under restoration at Wayne Olsen’s yard.
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Hi Allan. Do you have any news on our IDA (wasA11; 1896 Chas Bailey; 42ft(ish) ). Had been in Aus, but i understand she has come home. My dad Jim Platt owned her 1961- 70. Previously Dr Pinkerton raced her hard and sucessfully for a number of years. She was a valiant old girl, if a bit cantankerous. Ref full size photo of her in flight, hanging in Squadron hall wall adjacent upstairs mens toilet. Any news on our old girl please. Cheers! 😋
On Fri, 12 Apr 2019 1:04 am waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden bo
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