16-05-2025 YARD UPDATE – work continues on AWARIKI, interior looking very sharp + the new varnished coamings are a game changer – love it.
CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCHES – AWARIKI & CENTAURUS GETTING SOME TLC
Dropped into the Slipway Milford yard yesterday and very happy to see two woodys hauled out on the railway slips for some serious TLC.
We reported in mid Feb (link below) that the 32’ 1967 Owen Woolley built and designed launch – AWARIKI was in the process of losing her flybridge (✔️), well woodys the work continues, the team are currently refurbishing the interior.
https://waitematawoodys.com/2025/02/19/classic-wooden-launch-awariki-gets-a-top-chop/
Alongside AWARIKI is the 42’ 1969 Bailey & Sons built launch – CENTAURUS, out for a JPPJ (Jason Prew paint job) that has turned into a back to bare wood effort. The starboard side has one coat on and already looks the bees knees. Owner Angus Rogers is onsite attacking the brightwork, so this old lady will be very regal when she relaunches.
Well done to both owners for investing in the upkeep of two of our finest classic wooden craft.
Bumped into a fried who is an antiques dealer and he showed me a recent find – the wording on the front of the gold medal / badge reads – Memorial Hewson Cup 1925, back – 14’ One Design Championship of Waitemata For Youths Under 21 – ‘Queen March’ – W. Rogers’. I bet W. Rogers had no idea the value of their medal in 2025.
INPUT ex ROBIN ELLIOTT – Queen March, sailed by Billy Rogers on that day, was owned by Eliot Davis, brother of Sir Ernest Davis, and named after Eliot Davis’ champion racehorse. The race was won on a resail because it was later revealed that the skipper of Joan, winner of the first race, was 2 days over the 21 years limit. Three medals were presented to each of the crew Billy Rogers, Doug Rogers and D. MacKay
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New photos of AWARIKI added. Alan H
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Thanks to the New Zealand Herald – Papers Past & “Spindrift”
THE HEWSON MEMORIAL CUP was given to the Ponsonby Cruising Club by Mr A. Hewson’s “old associates” as a tribute to his memory for the good work he accomplished in connection with the Ponsonby Cruising Club including the acquisition of the Limited Cup. The Hewson Cup was presented for annual competition in the 14ft one-design class for youth under 21 years and was to be sailed under the Rules of the Auckland Yacht & Motorboat Association. “The winning boat’s name will be inscribed on the cap and each member of the crew will receive a medal.” The 14ft One-design class was the X-Class also known as the Jellicoe Class after Lord Jellicoe, the NZ Governor General who owned and raced the X-Class “Iron Duke”.
2 May, 1925 The Ponsonby Cruising Club announced the final fixtures for the season one of which was the race for the Hewson Memorial Trophy and that gold medals would be presented to the winning crew. The fleet starters were Queen March, Joan, Dulcie, Linnet, Rangi & Iron Duke which is now on display in the Maritime Museum. 5 May. 1925 the results were announced for the Hewson Memorial Cup which also carried the Junior Championship of the Waitemata. The gold medals were funded by the Ponsonby Cruising Club whose full financial membership in Sept. 1924 was 498.
The HEWSON MEMORIAL CUP was last sailed for in 2016 when it was awarded to the 1st Keeler on Handicap in a night race. It is still in The PCC Cabinet.
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Queen March, sailed by Billy Rogers on that day, was owned by Eliot Davis, brother of Sir Ernest Davis, and named after Eliot Davis’ champion racehorse.
The race was won on a resail because it was later revealed that the skipper of Joan, winner of the first race, was 2 days over the 21 years limit.
Three medals were presented to each of the crew Billy Rogers, Doug Rogers and D. MacKay
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