MYSTERY OPUA BIG GAME LAUNCH – Noelani
The above photo recently popped up on Maurice Sharp’s fb and generated some speculation as to the identity of the launch. The photo is dated 1976.
Several suggested Lady Doreen but the LD that I’m aware of didn’t have any forward portholes and the ones on this boat are very distinctive being a combination of oblong and circular.
Brian Worthington suggested Noelani (Oliver & Gilpin) but nothing like the 2015 photo of Noelani that has appeared before on WW (refer below) unless there has been some major work done to her or maybe there were more than one sharing the name?
Can anyone correctly ID the launch?
UPDATE – Quite a bit of chat in the comments section, it would appear that the launch above is the Oliver & Gilpin designed and built – Noelani (not the one below). Thanks to Greg Philpott for sending in this link that tells the back story of the Oliver & Gilpin boat building dynasty https://sunlive.co.nz/news/10869-days-when-boats-were-wood.html
(The launch above was launched as Lady Rosaland designed by Owen Woolley and built by Oliver and Gilpin – input ex Brian Worthington)
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The other Noelani was launched as Lady Rosaland designed by Owen Woolley and built by Oliver and Gilpin.
Thanks Brian 🙂 Alan H
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Great looking boats the Lady Dorothy a Oliver and Gilpin also has the same lines
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This is the O&G Noelani. I looked after her for the second owner in the late 60’s.
Ken Robinson
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There is in my view, obviously at least 2 NOELANIS, as the bottom one, I have never seen before, (at least under that name), & I agree with the others, that to me, she appears to be shall we say, “the original,” NOELANI. — KEN R
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KITTY VANE
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Noelani by Oliver & Gilpin
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Looks similar to Balsona…another O & G. Jack Stevens ??
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Brian is correct it is Noelani O&G. My dad Darrell use to look after it for awhile in the 70’s
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I understand that the “Cara Mia” (one time owners Ray & Vinnie Dinsdale – Tutukaka) had the same hull – I can’t remember the porthole details – 2 x 40HP whereas I think the Lady D had s x 60HP
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Noelani designed and built by Oliver and Gilpin.
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