Monthly Archives: December 2020

A Woody Christmas – A Time For Giving

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A Woody Christmas – A Time For Giving

I have an ask today – one of wooden boatings coolest and most deserving organisations urgently needs help – relax, you don’t need to do anything other than put your hand in your pocket – more on that later. But first let me tell you about the New Zealand Traditional Boatbuilding School – it was started back into 2005 by a group of visionary wooden boat enthusiasts. I have rubbed up against it a lot over the years – during the re-birth of the classic wooden launch movement we used their facilities for social gatherings and seminars. I have even done boat maintenance workshops and built a woody tool box (under close supervision)If ever there was something that deserved its place in our maritime community – it’s the NZTBS, more so than a lot of other questionable entities that live off rate payer handouts.I won’t bore you today with the day to day challenges the current trustees have keeping the doors open – just trust me when I say – to survive the short term they need help, mid term hopefully they will be able to secure sponsorship.


Today’s WW story is an example of the amazing work the school does – last week, trustees Olaf Wiig (classic launch – Lady Margaret and Alan Hooper (spirit of tradition launch – Katherine) ran a pilot course for one they are hoping to offer in the future. In a joint venture with Taikata Sailing Club, Drowning Prevention Auckland and Coastguard Education, NZTBS ran a week long course for a group of 9 year olds, building a pair of John Welsford Scraps dinghies. The whole week was a great success, resulting in two cool little boats being launched on Saturday. Just check out the looks on the kids faces – you don’t get that from playing on an electric device. The kids all made a name board for their boat and then voted for the best names and then Moonlight and Rose Gold were christened and launched – so cool.

Special thanks to James Hutchinson and Olaf Wiig for the photos
HOW CAN YOU HELP

The NZTBS is a charitable trust – donations are eligible for a tax credit and its so easy – click on this link and invest in the future of wooden boating in New Zealand. And do you know what?, you’ll feel good about it 🙂

https://givealittle.co.nz/org/nztbs
Merry Christmas & Thank You. alan houghton – waitematawoodys founder

Herne Bay Cruising Club + Help Needed ID’ing Some Woodys

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Sloanes Beach Regatta and Centreboard Cup

If you are wondering where Sloanes Beach is – google it. It is one of Aucklands hidden gems in the suburb of Herne Bay. The regatta is very low key, almost secret hand shake low key. Each year I try and drop in and grab a few photos to help promote the club (Herne Bay Cruising Club) http://hbcc.net.nz/

I had a full dance card yesterday, so only stayed for the start of the ‘bigger’ boats race. A little overcast but as I was leaving the sun came out and the wind picked up.Spotted an original burgee from the Auckland Motorboat Club handing from the rafters – you do not see many of those around these days.


Mahurangi Cruising Club / Regatta Year Book

The perfect stocking stuffer – available now at Boatbooks in Westhaven (or on-line) + at usual outlets around Warkworth.


Looking For Something Bigger

Grab a copy of Brian Peets book – Des Townson – A Sailing Legacy. A must for every kiwi yachtie and even launch owners 🙂 Also available from Boatbooks or https://destownson.co.nz/

WW Xmas Quiz Winners

Matthew Drake, Ken Goa, Simon Smith, Nick Voerman, Jason Prew – prizes on the way to you, if you have supplied your postal details.


Help Needed – Yacht Sojurn

WW has been contacted by Zoe Hawkins in regard to the yacht – Sojourn.Zoe is writing a story on the Northern Manukau Harbour and is looking for intel in regards to the keeler. She was built by the Davis Brother in Titirangi in the 1950’s. Zoe believes that It was put on the road and sold after one of the brothers became too sick to finish it and go sailing, most likely this was the 1960’s. An help very much appreciated. Two photos below.  


And More Help – Yacht Hawk V67

Yesterdays WW story featured small boat builder – John Maxwell – recently when John was cleaning out his parents home, he came across the hand coloured old print, below, of the yacht Hawk V67. John told me that if the boat is still around, then maybe the current owners may like this photo. It isn’t large but is better condition than the photo shows. 

Classic Wooden Small Boats

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Classic Wooden Small Boats
In the days before remote controlled model yachts – the yachts were divided into two kinds – Free sailing – were boats were sailed in open water and ‘chased’ by their skippers in dinghies who ’touched’ the yachts during the course of the race to adjust their course.

The other kind was – Pond yachts, sailed on small lakes, basins or special ponds (in parks), the skipper would race around the pond to tack or gybe the model as it got close to shore. Refer b/w photos below for examples of the racing.

The top colour photos were sent to me by an ex work colleague – John Maxwell, we worked together over 30 years ago in the crazy world of advertising in the late 1980’s. Unknown to me, one of John’s passions is the building of old style pond yachts, but with a modern take, refer examples above of Ranger, Innismara, Infidel, Meter class (black hull) and one in the vein of an A class. Not exactly accurate, but instantly recognizable as the original. They are all hand painted, so as to faithful to the old style. John commented that the problem with making the models sail, is that the depth of the keel, mast position/ height etc, have to be altered slightly from the plans of the real boat, otherwise it just sails sideways or rounds up into the wind. John aims to capture the spirit of the original, but still maintaining the ‘Old school’ charm of the yesteryear pond yachts. They are all free sailing models and quite big ie 1.8 m long. Typically they have a lot of lead on the keels approx 15-20 lbs., most are balsa over wooden frames with glass over the top. 
Stunning work – but it doesn’t surprise me, John was / is a very talented man, and rather good with a paint brush and canvas.

Ngapuhi (Waihou)

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NGAPUHI ( > WAIHOU)

DOES ANYONE KNOW A ROSS DIXON (or Michael Adams) previous owners of the launch Menai – if so could you ask that they contact me on waitematawoodys@gmail.com

Ngapuhi was built by Brian Lane in 1952-3 as a towing launch for Lane & Sons (Timber Millers) at their premises in Totara North, Whangaoa Harbour. Originally named Waihou. Purchased by Northland Port Corporation in 1963 her name was changed to Ngapuhi & she served as the pilot boat for the Whangarei Harbour Board for 35 years.

During 1983-4 an extensive refit was carried out when a larger aluminium wheelhouse was added. The original 2x GM471 engines were replaced with new 6LXB Gardners, propshaft angles modified, and larger rudders made to suit the new engine installations.

Has been in current ownership since 1998 during which time was chartered back to Northland Port until 2000 & kept in SSM survey for 16 passengers until late 2013 when the SSM regulations were changed.

While based in Whangaroa her owners have completed numerous trips to the Three Kings, Waitemata, Gt Barrier, & also used to view the racing the last time Team NZ hosted the America’s Cup in Auckland.

Details below:

Length 13.84m Beam 3.70m. Draft 1.07m. Reg tons 22.

Engines 2x 6LXBM52 Gardner 1984. Diesel Engines governed to 1500RPM, 127 HP continuous rating.

Gear boxes Twin Disk 1.45-1

Fuel Capacity 1400 litres Water capacity 200 litres

Max speed 11 knots at governed rpm. . Cruising speed 8-11 knots. . Fuel consumption approx. 25 l/h @ 11 knots, approx. 18 l/h @ 8 knots.

Hull construction. Carvel plank Kauri over laminated frames of 70x40mm @ 250mm centres.

Other features. Icom VHF, Furuno GPS plotter/sounder, walk in engine room with fan forced ventilation. F’ward and aft cabins, galley, separate toilet with holding tank, wash down pump, 2x sets of fixed manual & electric bilge pumps & other safety equipment to meet previous survey requirements. Currently 3-4 berths, easily expandable to 6-8.

Thanks to Ian McDonald for bring the tme listing to the attention of WW.

Fruin

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FRUIN

I have been contacted by Neville Watkin in regard to his classic launch – Fruin. Neville knows very little about her early history, but believes she was probably built just after WW II (late 1940’s) and is kauri planked.

The above photo was taken in Cissy Bay near French Pass in the Marlborough Sounds in 2016. More recently her hull has been re-caulked and repainted and she currently doesn’t have a name.

Neville is keen to uncover any information on the vessel and suspects she was renamesd at some stage in her life. 
Can anyone help Neville put the correct name on the launch.

Woody Christmas Quiz – Big Prize Draw

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Woody Christmas Quiz – Big Prize Draw
Correctly name the launch in the photo above and you go into the draws to win one of 5 prizes on offer. Entry by email only at waitematawoodys@gmail.com  I have extended the entry cut off to allow more people to participate i.e. not just the early raisers 🙂

Closes Friday 18 Dec 2020 @ 8pm. I will do everything I can to get prizes out b4 xmas, so maybe include your postal address on the email.There has been a name change , so I will take either answer 😉

• A Copy of the book – ‘Des Townson – A Sailing Legacy’ https://destownson.co.nz/

• WW T-shirt

• WW Cap

• A 2021 Lake Rotoiti Classic & Wooden Boat Calendar zea.rachel@gmail.com

• And the best prize – a bottle of the world famous in Devonport home made tomato sauce – 100 year old family recipe – perfect for the beach BBQ

Order a copy here https://destownson.co.nz/

Opua Marina / Hardstand Mooching

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Luana
Florence
Ngapuhi
Typee
Sea Mate
Unknown

OPUA MARINA / HARDSTAND MOOCHING
Woody Dean Wright snapped the above selection of woodys that he spotted at Opua at the weekend.I have supplied links to previous WW stories below. I know I’m a broken record, but Luana …………. 🙂
Luana    https://waitematawoodys.com/2016/04/01/luana-4/

Ngapuhi – Ex pilot boat, more on this one later in the week

Florence.  https://waitematawoodys.com/2017/12/28/florence-6/

Typee.   No details known

Sea Mate (Birdsail 52 on the marina) – No details known 


Dean didn’t catch the name of the ‘long’ keeled yacht in the last photo above – any one able to supply details?

Input from Neil Chalmers – Could be ‘Restless’  – Lou Tercel  / John Alden   April 1920.

Input from Simon Smith – The long keeled yacht is indeed the Tercel yacht Restless. 100 years old and owned by Russell resident Tim Beattie who being a master painter has her in beautiful condition. Always sails in the Tall Ships Race but with her ocean cruising rig needs a strong breeze to show her mettle.

Almeda – Mapuna – Sisters?

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ALMEDA –  MAPUNA – Sisters?
Recently Alan Sexton and Mark McLaughlin were plating hooky from work to check in of the launch Trinidad that is receiving some serious TLC at Greg Lees shed at Sandspit. 

Back in February 2017, Alan sent in some photos and details on a local (Matakana) classic launch named Almeda, at the time he commented that the designer was unknown but it appeared to have John Brooke’s name all over it – link to that story here https://waitematawoodys.com/2017/02/02/almeda/

While at the Lees yard they spotted Almeda hauled out at Sandspit Yacht Club and are both sure she is a slightly updated version of Mark’s launch – Mapuna. Alan commented that Almeda’s keel is obviously rather more substantial and that Greg Lees told him they fitted the deeper keel to Almeda quite a few years ago for the previous owner. The pieces attached to the keel are the lead ballast relocated from the bilges. She has a reduced transom tumble home but the bow and hull lines look identical to Mapuna (first photo below ex Mark).

Mark is keen to hear peoples thoughts re comparing Almeda and Mapuna with Tarata, also by J Brooke. Tarata is rather deeper in the forard sections, no doubt to provide the buoyancy required to offset the forward mounted engine in the smaller hull. (Refer second photo below, also ex MarK). https://waitematawoodys.com/2016/11/21/tarata/


So woodys – thoughts, comments, opinions ?

Harold Kidd Input – There was a strong connection between Snow Waters and Jack Brooke, witness SCOTT COLVILLE. Robert Brooke worked for Snow about this time and will know exactly what the story is about these designs.

Yesterdays winner of the Off Center Harbor cap was – John Hunter, with the answer Lady Ellen

Mapuna
Tarata

Chantal – Sailing Sunday

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Chantal – Sailing Sunday

Chantal was designed, and built in 1981, by Denis Brown, in the Bay of Islands. LOA 8.24m, DWL 7m, Beam 2.1m, Draft 0.9/1.9m Displ 2,450KG 

A 3/4 rig, double ended, centreboard, sloop, that is easy to sail single handed, and very quick in light air. Great for cruising, as the shallow draft with the board up, gives you more options for exploring and anchoring. Fun to race as she is pretty efficient up wind, and has very low drag on a reach. Sailing photos taken during the 2017 Tall Ships Classic Invitation Race.

Constructed in Radiata Pine and Kahikatea, opposing diagonal 4.5mm laminated  planking, outer sheathing 5mm lamination longitudinal. Everything well soaked in West System Epoxy. Centrecase fabricated in 6mm mild steel plate, which holds 1200KG of lead ballast. Centreboard is solid Kauri. Shaft tube and bearing setup for a small inboard motor, which we installed back in 2000 and removed again in 2001.

Sleeps 4 comfortably, and while space is fairly tight the arrangement feels generous. Single burner gas stove, storage space for a medium sized chilly bin and jerry cans for water. Torches and candles for lighting, and a chemical toilet. A very simple set up.

(details & photos ex owner – Bruce Mitchinson)

WIN AN OFF CENTER HARBOR CAP

All correct answers to the question below, go into the draw to win an OCH cap. Enter via email only at waitematawoodys@gmail.com Closes 8pm 13-12-2020

Q – Name Bruce Mitchinson’s classic launch

SCROLL DOWN TO YESTERDAYS STORY – STARTED OFF WITH ONE OLD PHOTO, MORPHED INTO AN AMAZING RESTORATION STORY 🙂

MARINUS – Where Is She

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MARINUS – Where Is She

The launch – Marinus was built in 1938 (apparently by Barr-Browns in Wellington) for commercial work in Cook Strait and was Lloyd’s registered to carry 5 tons. It is believed that Barr-Browns were cabinet and furniture makers in that era, rather than boat builders and in later years, Barr-Browns were machinery merchants selling the likes of forklifts and other industrial machinery.

Unconfirmed, but she probably was originally powered by twin Gray Marine inline 6-cylinder engines, and was re-powered in about 1965 with two 1956-ish Rootes TS3 2-strokes, which were located directly under the bridge floor. The gearboxes she had in 2001 were 26 spline Borg-Warner Velvet Drives.

The photo above was taken in January 2001 at Pine Harbour. Post this date she may have been moored at Great Barrier Island for an extended time frame. Rumour has it that she experienced several semi sinkings due to bilge pump issues. Marinus was taken over by a new owner who towed her to Whitianga and on-sold her to another individual who either towed or motored her Whangamata, where her engines were removed.

Nothing is known about the boat post being kept on a swing mooring at Whangamata. So woodys can anyone tell us what became of this woody, did she survive?

Update – photos below of – Marinus, which were taken in January 2015 at Gibbs Landing on the Barrier. She had been towed over to the wharf from her swing mooring after being pumped out the last time. Click to enlarge photos

Update #2  – Below are the as-was interior photos before being towed away from the Barrier in 2015. Over looking the untidy appearance and the need for much TLC, you can see how well designed the interior was for such an old girl. Very spacious and well appointed for her age and with twin TS3 engines, the floor in the bridge was flat (no engine boxes).
Note the Lloyd’s Reg Number on the bulkhead, in what was then the bathroom / shower / toilet area.
According to the Gt Barrier is. owner, she was apparently built in 1938 to an American design (which might account for the sloping windscreens), but wasn’t launched until after W.W.II.

UPDATE # 3 – I received a call from boat builder Geoff Bagnall today and Geoff pointed me in the direction as to where I could find Marinus. Geoff has been working on her and while in my eyes some areas are a tad modern looking – what a difference from the above Great Barrier photos. Just goes to prove that old saying “every dog has its day”. An amazing rescue job, who ever the owner is, they deserve to take a bow – well done 🙂

14-12-2020 Harold Kidd Input – MARINUS was owned for many years by Keith Lackey of Wellington.She was built by Barr-Brown, Owen and Stewart and launched in 1947. Her first engines were twin 6 cyl Gray petrol. According to Lloyds she was designed by A.M. Deeming.(an Opua Deeming??).