July 2019
July 2019
In need of attention – May 2018
Prep for new caulking
Re building the stern deck
Fore deck ready for painting
New toe rail and refurbished bollard
Stern deck finished
SIR FRANCIS
Back in June 2016 one of the woodys spotted Sir Francis berthed on Lake Taupo and commented on WW that she was looking a little tired. Well folks I can report that after thirteen months of hard labour, Sir Francis went back into the water on July 6. Co-owner Paul Drake commented that she was last out of the water for 9 days, 10 years ago and she was becoming an embarrassment.
As part of their re-fit the deck canvas has been replaced with the usual ply and glass cloth, and much other deferred maintenance was attended to. (scroll over photos for captions)
Sir Francis is 22’ and built by Collings and Bell in 1916, powered by a Universal Utility Four. This engine was added in 1937.
When launched she was named – Fairy, then renamed – Aloha and when Grandfather Drake purchased her in 1938, he changed the name again to Sir Francis. She has been owned by the Drake family for the last 81 years.
The Drake brothers (Paul, Nigel, Roger and Michael) individually and collectively are a great bunch and between them own numerous woodys. I have meet them at the Lake Rotoiti Wooden Boat Parade. Photo below.
Brothers Nigel and Roger on SF late 1950’s.
Paul
L to R – Michael, Paul, Nigel, Roger. Oldest to youngest
JOHN STREET – ONE MAN’S TREASURES VIDEO SERIES
Every day this week WW will feature a video filmed at John’s recent speaking engagement at the New Zealand Maritime Museum. The language is a tad ‘blue’ in places, but thats how John rolls 🙂 NOTE VIDEO IS COPYRIGHT DO NOT DOWNLOAD WITHOUT PERMISSION. Videos edited & enhanced with the help of Andrew Christie.
PART ONE – Fosters The Beginning (turn your sound up)
UPCOMING VIDEOS
TUESDAY– History of The Breeze
WEDNESDAY– The schooner Daring
THURSDAY– Amercias Cup
FRIDAY – The steam crane ship Rapaki
SATURDAY– Tug Boat Racing on the Waitemata
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Thanks Murray – I have had some editing input from Andrew Christie, a woody from across the ditch – just updated this video & todays + the rest will be a tad more professional 😉 Alan
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A beautiful refit that shows the quality of this launch
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Re the John Street talk, I had no idea the piles were so flimsy under the Maritime Museum -you can feel each wave during the talk, seriously though we owe a round of thanks to the cameraman for recording what so many of us missed.
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Neat fellas alright, how cool to still have the boat you used to play in as a kid, what fantastic photos!
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