Author Archives: Alan Houghton - waitematawoodys.com founder

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About Alan Houghton - waitematawoodys.com founder

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.

Rongotai

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RONGOTAI – Mystery Launch 09-03-2016
photo ex Robin Elliott

The answer is Rongatai – details in the Comments Section

Long over due for a serious mystery launch post. Robin has sent me a collection of photos from the Whangarei Cruising Club Collection, as far as Robin knows, all are from the 1940’s early 1950’s & and were taken by Palmer Photography in Whangarei (1910-1999). Most by the late Graeme Palmer and possibly some older ones by his father.

So woodys who can ID this one? I’ll give a Lake Rotoiti Wooden Boat Parade 2016 Calendar to the first correct answer, backed up with some form of proof & for the record neither Robin or myself know anything about the launch.

Note: Ken R – you only get one attempt, you can’t blast out 5 names & expect to win if one of them is correct 😉

Historic Auckland ferry the Kestrel sinks

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The Kestrel Sinks At Her Viaduct Berth

Photo & details ex NZ Herald, see link below

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11601802

RadioNZ Link (ex Harold Kidd)

http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/201792330/historic-ferry-the-kestrel-sinks-hugh-gladwell

10-03-2016 Update – R.I.P.

Very very sad result. Just received these photos …………….. 😦 Being a Devonport boy & working in the city I have very fond ‘memories’ of Friday nights on the Kestrel.

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Rautangi

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Rautangi on patrol - original

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RAUTANGI
photos & details ex Don Barry

The top photo of Rautangi running at full chat shows Don’s uncle Tim on the cabin top, to quote Don “mad as a cut snake – pipe in his mouth holding fast against the wind… OHS would have a field day” Chances are she would have been petrol powered……. She is flying a PATROL burgee, anyone able to suggest the origin of the burgee?
I’ll sure HDK will enjoy this photo, matches his attitude to helming launches 🙂

The 2nd photo is again of uncle Tim, who was a regular on Rautangi.  With him is here  is Don’s uncle Doug.

Rautangi was built by Collings & Bell& launched on the 18th May  for Mr. L. Stericker. She measures 37′ x 9’6″ x 2’8″ & is currently midway thru a major refit happening at Katikati in the Bay of Plenty but due to changing personal circumstances is listed for sale on trademe.

More photos showing her past here https://waitematawoodys.com/2016/02/23/rautangi/

Below is a copy the boats official song.

Rautangi - front page [#2] 2

Rautangi - inner page [#2]

Harold Kidd Input

Love it!
Les Stericker was a well-known petrol-head with his racing hydroplanes all called HUM BUG. I think there were 5 of them, the last a “Blimp” type built by Collings & Bell in November 1929, 12ft 6in with a 32hp Elto 4 cylinder outboard, the top go-fast gear of the time. He was a precision engineer in Newmarket. No doubt the 6 cylinder side valve petrol Thornycroft RD6 engine (photo below) in RAUTANGI was well breathed upon.
As for the “Patrol” flag, Lees and RAUTANGI did a lot of NZPBA and RNZYS mark boat etc work.

The RD 6 Thornycroft engine when launched

Thornycroft RD6

CYA 2016 Classic Yacht Regatta

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CYA 2016 Classic Yacht Regatta
photos from Simon Smith, Rod Marler, Peter Loughlin & myself

Yesterday (06-03-2016) was the final day of the 3 day regatta & the weather gods delivered the goods to finish the regatta on a high note.
I’ll let the photos tell the story but really need to say that the new venue & host club, the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron was a winner with everyone, perfect venue for our event & the crew at the RNZYS were fantastic.
I’m sure race results will be view able on the CYA website, I’ll post a link when they go live. Enjoy 🙂

Remember to click on photos to enlarge

Day 1 – sorry working

DAY 2

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Day 3

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Prize Giving

CYA Regatta Fleet @ RNZYS

PLUS – some great up close photos on Jason Prew’s facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/jason.prew/media_set?set=a.10154699374602178&type=3

Typhoon – Sailing Sunday

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TYPHOON – Sailing Sunday
photos ex Kerry Pearson, details ex Lin Pardey via Harold Kidd

Typhoon she was built by Fellows and Stuart Shipyard, Los Angeles Harbour, probably 1938 or so, & has been moored in North Cove at Kawau Island for 10+ years, slowly deteroiating. Many have offered advice that due to her fastenings (galvanised nails) the surrounding timber was so badly rotten the vessel was beyond saving. On top of this her cabin sides and deck structures are also rotting.

Sometimes there is a fairy godmother out there & Lin reports that she has been purchased by one of the Kawau Island ferry skippers & he processes  skills & experience to look at her & decide if its do-able or just best to save all the good hardware for the next project. Will be interesting to near the outcome.

Any one able expand on her history?

Wairangi – heads north

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WAIRANGI- THE JOURNEY NORTH - PICTON TO AUCKLAND- PT 1- A CLEAN BUM FIRST

WAIRANGI- THE JOURNEY NORTH - PICTON TO AUCKLAND- PT 1- SHAKE DOWN CRUISE WAITANGI WEEKEND - 1

WAIRANGI- THE JOURNEY NORTH - PICTON TO AUCKLAND- PT. 1- DEPARTURE DAY 1

WAIRANGI – Heads North
photos ex Owen Foster via Ken Ricketts

As previous noted on ww Wairangi has been sold & is relocating to Auckland, Waiheke  Island I believe. Owen supplied this collection of photos from the passage from Picton to Auckland. Wairangi was designed by Wren Carey & built by Andy Miller of Miller & Tunnage fame. For a 1934 vessel of her design she is unusual in that she was launched as a pleasure vessel, which goes against her looks that scream ‘work boat’ converted to pleasure use. Wairangi was the opposite as she became a Lyttelton pilot boat c1948.

To view / read more details of her past click here https://waitematawoodys.com/2013/05/28/wairangi/

05-03-2016 Arrives safely at Waiheke Island

07-04-2016 – Wairangi getting a little love at Pier 21. Photo ex Rod Marler

Wairangi at Pier 21

11-04-2016 Update & photos below from CYA member Neil Williamson (owner of MV Safari & the mullet boat Arawa)

Currently doing some work on Wairangi at the moment and thought I would share some pics now the hull has been stripped back showing the planks in fantastic condition
She’s so well made and still in great nick. Great to work on ones like this.

26-10-2016 – photo below of Wairangi in Smokehouse Bay, Great Barrier Island 28/03/2016. ex owner via Ken Ricketts.

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Lady Evelyn

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LADY EVELYN

I took the above photos recently in Matiatia Bay, Waiheke Island, from the mooring I assume she is a permanent resident there & hence know nothing about her. So woodys can we shed some light on the lady?

Remember the 3 day CYA Classic Yacht Regatta start today. Photo below of some of the early birds tied up in front of the RNZYS at dusk last night.

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Lake Rotoiti Antique & Classic Boat Show

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Lake Rotoiti Antique & Classic Boat Show – This weekend

For the South Island woodys this weekend (5>6th March 2016) sees the running of the 17th Antique & Classic Boat Show at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes.
Always a spectacular weekend in a stunning location.

If there are any ww followers attending, pack the camera & send in some photos.

More details here http://www.nzclassicboats.com/

David Glen sent in the photo below of the 1st arrival 🙂

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Awatere

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AWATERE
photos ex Pam Cundy

The above photos of Awatere were taken by Pam over the 2015/16 Xmas / NY period. I’m assuming that she is from the McGeady stable, can anyone from the McGeady fan club confirm?
What else do we know about her?

More photos below ex Karen Moren, Ken Ricketts & Hylton.

AWATERE c1950s OKAHU BAY

 

CYA Classic Sailing Regatta

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CYA Classic Yacht Regatta
If your wanting to catch some classic yachting action, keep an eye out on the harbour this coming Friday, Saturday & Sunday. The NZ Classic Yacht Association is holding its annual 3 day classic sailing regatta, again sponsored by the Trillian Trust.
2016 sees a change in venue for the Race HQ with the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron now hosting the event. The fleet will be berthed in front of the RNZYS & the Viaduct providing a perfect opportunity for people to view the classics pre & post racing.
Info on race start times & courses etc available here http://classicyacht.org.nz/sailing/
All CYA members are invited to partake each day in the post race festivities, again check on-line for venue & times.

Photos from last years regatta view able here https://waitematawoodys.com/2015/03/01/11432/

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