CLASSIC LAUNCH RENA – Humble Pie On The Menu Today ………
Maybe only a small serving of pie, but let me explain – yesterday I was sent by Marty Gunman the above photo of a very smart looking classic launch named RENA.
Surprise surprise it’s a Vindex, which weakens my view that Vindex are an uncomfortable fit in the big woody boat house. Maybe the boats 29’ length made for a more classic look than her bigger sisters …………. (holding my breath for the president of the Vindex fan club – Murray Deeble to comment 😉 )
The launch was built c.1964 by Jim McKay in his shed in Sunnybrae road, Takapuna (Archers Rd. end). The photo is dated 1967 and RENA was owned at the time by Tom McCauley.
On the bow, no PC rules in those days, the young lads are Tom Birdsall (son of Bo Birdsall and grandson of the owner) + Marty’s brother Kirk.
The question today is – what became of RENA. Chances are a 2nd layer has been added to her, hopefully not 😄
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waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news - updated daily - 14+ million views 
Told yer, Fearless Leader, many times that Vindices are fine ships. And if you can admit the tupperware Logans (which have a modern upper works anyway) you can certainly lord the Vindex design. You only have to see one in a seaway to know that that is a fine design.
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Whats not to like, light and fast with relatively moderate horsepower, those early -wooden Vindex’s that Jim designed showed the way forward in NZ, while C Raymond Hunt was doing the same in the USA.
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