CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH IRENE GETS A REVAMP

Not often I start with an apology– yesterday at Kawau was a wee bit of a cock up. I missed the prize giving. I’ll be polite and say things got ‘Lost In Translation’.

I was working on intel supplied eg prize giving was according to the notice of regatta was Sunday but it was held on Saturday……. Never mind 😄 sorry to the woodys that turned up 😢

During the week WW was contacted by Karl Reynolds the owner of the 1927 Dick Lang built 31’ classic wooden launch – IRENE. IRENE last appeared on WW back in April 2016, link here https://waitematawoodys.com/2016/04/27/irene-2/

Karl purchased the vessel in March 2025 and has been undertaking a refit, The work started with a good clean in the hull and then Karl and his father managed to complete the following in the 15 days they had IRENE hauled out.

• New larger hatch to remove engine through and lifted height to give me head room at helm

• Bulk heads installed to add support to hull and cut out to reduce visual impact 

• New Ford engine with heat exchanger sitting on its mounts awaiting gearbox and alignment 

• Closed in stern to keep birds out 

If you are undertaking a woody project , please share the work with WW, readers love seeing word-in-progress.