CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – ESME

A recent email from Rosemary Wakeman is what WW is all about – connecting the dots. I have reproduced the email below (slight edit)

“Doing a major tidy-up of old family photos – that I presume my kids will  throw out upon my demise.

I have  photos (and letters ) of ESME, a launch my late Uncle Ernie Sisson owned ( part owned ? )  in the 1930’s.   She was moored in Tauranga ( on a swing mooring I guess) I presume he sold her before he went to war in late December 1940.  I think he managed the grocery store Self Help in Tauranga.  He was killed in 1943, navigator on a Lancaster Bomber shot down over Germany 08-11-1943.

Two thoughts ..  was Esme still afloat? – and would any museum or collector like the photos  and letters mentioning her? “

The name ESME has appeared numerous times on WW but todays launch at 22’ is too small for the others . Also keen to learn that engine was in her, based on the back of the post card – the claim of 12-13 knots is impressive.

So woodys can we help Rosemary out.

INPUT EX HAROLD KIDD

Esme was owned by A. Hunter in 1930 but she’s a lot older than that. My pick is about 1904/5 with that rakish bow and “torpedo stern”. Ernie Sisson owned her in October 1939 when he modified her cabin top. He did a very good job as you can see. I have a photo of her on Charlie Millett’s slip at the same time as the bottom photo above. Some of the old Tauranga hands should have more information on her?