What is Waitemata Woodys all about?
We provide a meeting point for owners and devotees of classic wooden boat. We seek to capture the growing interest in old wooden boats and to encourage and bring together all those friendly people who are interested in the preservation of classic wooden vessels for whatever reason, be it their own lifestyle, passion for old boats or just their view of the world.
We encourage the exchange of knowledge about the care and restoration of these old boats, and we facilitate gatherings of classic wooden boats via working together with traditionally-minded clubs and associations.
Are you a Waitemata Woody?
The Waitemata Woodies blog provides a virtual meeting point for lovers of classic and traditional wooden boats. If you are interested in our interests and activities become a follower to this blog.
The Vessels Featured
The boats on display here (yes there are some yachts included, some are just to drop dead stunning to over look) require patrons, people devoted to their care and up keep, financially and emotionally . The owners of these boats understand the importance of owning, restoring and keeping a part of the golden age of Kiwi boating alive. The boats are true Kiwi treasure to be preserved and appreciated.
Todays woody is the 38’ gaff cutter Britannia, built in 1898 she has been owned by the same family for 110 years. The video is hosted by Anne Davis who talks us thru how she fell for Britannia and become the 4th generation proud owner.Its a great watch – enjoy 🙂
ANYONE KNOW SOMEONE THAT LAYS / FITS BOAT CARPET – I have the carpet and a template of sorts (1st photo below)– so probably need to check measurements > cut & edge trim.The grey ‘carpet’ (top) was what came with the boat 15 yrs ago, fitted perfectly but looked like it should be in a Haines Hunter. I fitted other carpet (2nd photo below) but have never been happy with the job. So help (paid) wanted. Drop me a line waitematawoodys@gmail.com
Woody Dean Wright was reading one of the recent WW stories that featured a Percy Vos built hydroplane ( https://waitematawoodys.com/2021/10/17/woody-hydroplane/ ) and this prompted Dean to let me know that when doing a bit of research into his boat – Arethusa’s builder Bob Brown, he found the photo above of a land yacht that Brown built in 1933 – capable of over 40mph. In the photo we see the land yacht on Orewa beach.
WE HAVE ANOTHER CYA COMMITTEE ZOOM MEETING ON TUESDAY NIGHT
I wonder if anyone in the last 4 weeks has grown some gonads and will front the elephant in the room e.g. clarification of the 40 berth Heritage Basin sub-committees intent i.e. will the classic vessels berthed there be a true representation of the CYA’s Classic Yacht Policy, as per the constitution – “New Zealand or foreign designed yachts, launches, dinghies, boats, vessels of all sizes, description, ages, whether powered by wind, steam, combustion or otherwise’. OR woodys – a parking lot for what I understand the sub-committee openly refers to as ’The Heritage Sailing Fleet’. Read more by clicking the Tui banner above.
The original conceptual sketch*, below, of the CYA’s current marina (Heritage Landing) certainty portrayed a fair mix of craft 🙂 *david barker
Woody Paul Drake, sent in the above photo of the launch Ngaro, formerly named Apache. In the photo we see her on Lake Taupo in the 1950’s. Paul was wondering if anyone knows where she is now. She was at Taupo for quite a long time but has also been gone for quite a long time (slightly Irish statement). Paul believes that she could be a Lidgard and is 28’ in length.
The boat sheds in the photo lasted until 1963. The Drake launch – East Wind occupied the last shed on the left and seventy years later still occupies a berth in the same spot. Their other launch – Sir Francis, occupied the shed seventh from the left and now occupies the berth next to East Wind – view both boats below :
WE HAVE ANOTHER CYA COMMITTEE ZOOM MEETING ON TUESDAY NIGHT
I wonder if anyone in the last 4 weeks has grown some gonads and will front the elephant in the room e.g. clarification of the 40 berth Heritage Basin sub-committees intent i.e. will the classic vessels berthed there be a true representation of the CYA’s Classic Yacht Policy, as per the constitution – “New Zealand or foreign designed yachts, launches, dinghies, boats, vessels of all sizes, description, ages, whether powered by wind, steam, combustion or otherwise’. OR woodys – a parking lot for what I understand the sub-committee openly refers to as ’The Heritage Sailing Fleet’. Read more by clicking the Tui banner above.
The original conceptual sketch*, below, of the CYA’s current marina (Heritage Landing) certainty portrayed a fair mix of craft 🙂 *david barker
The tme listing (thanks Ian McDonald) states that Aranga started life as a 22’ Roy Parris launch, well if that is the case, old Roy would not be too impressed with her current configuration – but as they say ‘ each to their own’ and ‘beauty is in the eyes of the beholder’.
Powered by a Nissan SD22 Diesel engine that gets her along at 6 >7 knots.That is about all we know about her, so can any of the Paris fan club confirm the build and supply more intel on Aranga. The photos won’t help the sales process 😉
29-10-2021 UPDATE – just been advise Aranga is not a Parris, so Roy can rest in peace 🙂
Paid your CYA sub? No hurry – zero activity happening for members, but the above debate continues to bubble away……..
The photo above is of the game launch – Blue Skies, anchored off the Hotel Marlin in Whangaroa Harbour. The photo is ex The Northlander – issue #4, 1964 and comes to us via Anthony Waddingham.
The photo was used in an advertisement for the hotel. The ad stated that Blue Skies was licensed to carry six fisherman in unsurpassed comfort. Can anyone enlighten us as to theft of Blue Skies, is she still around and if so, in what configuration?
I’m told from several sources that the snapper fishing in the gulf is excellent at present – my daughter caught 5, late afternoon on Monday – and says this was the smallest 🙂 yeah right. You’ll note the low % of wood in the photo – points off for going out on a plastic boat.
Todays photos came in from Dean Wright and show two of the well known Bay of Islands work-boats – Miss Brett and Miss Dorris.
In the top photo we see Miss Brett heading out with a charter group aboard. Interesting mix of woodys in the background at anchor in the bay. The 2nd photo has Miss Dorris in her role as ferry boat, propelling the vehicular ferry.
It was a strange Labour Weekend for boaties, the weather probably kept most of us at home which would have softened the blow of the postponement / cancellation of the two major weekend events – Kawau Sailing Weekend and the annual Coastal Classic yacht race. Looking at the photo below of Mike Mahoney’s grand old lady – the 1901 Logan Bros built, 55’ – Moerangi, at anchor in Patio Bay, the weather wasn’t bad everywhere.
The launch Raiona was designed and built in 1919 by Joe Slattery. In the gallery of photos above me see Raiona when owned by Bob Cleave. The photos come to us from the Parsonson Family Collection via Mitchell Hutchings.Mitchell’s father – Clive Hutchings appears in several of the photos.
Raiona has featured several times on WW – link below to more recent photos, very cool to see a woody that has survived over 100 years without being abused at the hands of a wood butcher 🙂 https://waitematawoodys.com/2013/04/19/raiona-2/
Photo below dated 2018
04-07-2022 INPUT ex Hugh Gladwell – photo below of Raiona re-launching today after a 12 month+ refit.
Back in 2017 we reported that the 21’ carvel planked (kauri) ex workboat Leonardo was for sale. At the time she was in Christchurch an had had a new wheelhouse added. You can read and see more at this link https://waitematawoodys.com/2017/04/11/leonardo/ She was powered by a 20hp Ford diesel engine.
Fast forward 4 years and Grant Edwards, owner of the launch Phyllis M reports in that Leonardo had been purchased by a fellow Waiheke Island gent named Lance Peterson. Lance had the boat transported to Auckland and started an extensive period of repair and restoration as she was in very poor health. Included in the refit was a replacement engine, another Ford, 2 cylinder this time, and the additional of a set of bilge keels for ‘drying out.
Leonardo was slipped back in the water during the week, but I understand did not travel far as she has a wee gearbox issue, which I’m sure will be righted quick smart.
I have to say she is a very salty looking ship and a fine additional to the island’s woody fleet. The photo below is from her early days in top of the South Island. Apologies for the two middle photos above , camera person oops 🙂
Keith and Heather Nicholson sent in the above photo of an old post card of the Whangarei Town Basin. The photo first appeared on a Mitchell Hutchings fb post.
In the photo, lower right, we can see a launch hauled out – so todays question is – can we put a name to the boat?
Heather mentioned that their beloved woody – Paea (photo below) was for sale on tme. An amazing classic, the 72’, 1942 ex Harbour Defence Motor Launch (P3552) offers so many boating opportunities.
29-09-2023 UPDATE – photo below of Paea about to be relaunched after some TLC – TLC doesnt really fit a vessel the size of Paea 🙂
05-10-2023 UPDATE – Back in the water. we understand that six months ago the boat was put inside a shed and dried out, the seams were splined and the hull was fiber-glassed. The Fodens were removed and replaced with Cummins. (details & photos ex Ken West)
The owner / restorer of Miss Wahoo would probably frown on my suggestion – but this 2.4m restored woody hydroplane would look amazing hanging from the rafters in a boat shed, bar, man-cave etc. Or maybe attached to a wall vertically.
Or of course you could pop a small outboard on the back and have some serious fun. Uber cool xmas present for the kids / grand kids 😉
It is currently on tme and I reckon will sell quickly.
Check out this short 1955 movie of hydroplane racing in the UK.
waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news - updated daily - 15+ million views 