Category Archives: 32′>34′

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH MONTEREY RE-LAUNCHED

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MONTEREY ex MY GIRL post launching

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH MONTEREY RE-LAUNCHED

A couple of weeks ago we reported on the work underway on the classic Lidgard built wooden launch MONTEREY at the Slipway Milford yard – link below https://waitematawoodys.com/2025/11/14/classic-lidgard-launch-monterey-gets-a-birthday/

On Friday MONTEREY slipped back into the water looking the best she has in the last 20 years, a tribute to her new owner and the skills of the craftspeople at the Slipway Milford yard.

Still a few projects to be finished off back on her marina, but today we celebrate the ‘homecoming’ of one of the fleets best looking classic wooden launches.

Lots of dockside chat regarding the grey anti-fouling and how it will look with the normal bits hanging off in a few months – time will tell 😉

We will follow up with an interior story in a few weeks.

(Photos ex owner, Jason Prew and Alan H)

WW MERCHANDISE – IF YOU ARE THINKING OF ORDERING – DO IT NOW B4 STOCK RUNS OUT

SONGBIRD – A SPIRIT OF TRADITION WOODY

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SONGBIRD – A SPIRIT OF TRADITION WOODY

It is pretty rare these days to see the launch of a new wooden boat so Bill Townson’s SONGBIRD gets to make an appearance on WW via the ’spirit of tradition’ umbrella.

Todays photos and comments (below) come to us from Hugh Gladwell.

“Bill Townsons new launch Songbird went overboard at the Warkworth Cement Works on Wednesday. A backyard designed and built wooden launch is a rarity these days. She is 3 skin kauri and Alaskan yellow cedar glassed inside and out with no stringers or ribs. Powered by a Yanmar 110. The standard of finish is impeccable. Bill is now 82 and has been building her with his wife Mona for the last 6 years. Mona explained that she didn’t actually work on the boat but supervised Bill throughout.”

WW MERCHANDISE – IF YOU ARE THINKING OF ORDERING – DO IT NOW – DOWN TO SINGLE DIGIT NUMBERS ON MOST T-SHIRT SIZES AND LESS THAN 12 CAPS IN STOCK 

WHO’S BRAVE ENOUGH TO PAY $1 FOR THE CLASSIC LAUNCH LADY FAYE

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WHO’S BRAVE ENOUGH TO PAY $1 FOR THE CLASSIC LAUNCH LADY FAYE

Sixteen months ago we ran a story on the 32’ wooden launch – LADY FAYE, that at the time was needing a new custodian. Link below to that story. https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/07/25/lady-faye-can-we-save-this-classic-wooden-launch/

Fast forward to November and the vessel has gone even further down hill – and not surprisingly has a starting price of $1. And even at that figure no ones bidding.

What we know – built in 1948 by Des Donovan and Fred Steele of 20th Century Boats for Fred Steele’s own use. The current engine is a 60hp Fordson 4 cyl. diesel, condition unknown.

While her current presentation looks very intimidating – if you view it like an old house and put a dump bin at one end and just shovelled everything out, you could have the bones of a nice classic rebuild project. The photo below could be our inspiration 😉

MYSTERY WOODEN LAUNCH ON THE MOVE 

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MYSTERY WOODEN LAUNCH ON THE MOVE 

Todays classic wooden launch looks vaguely familiar but the WW brain draws a blank.

The photo comes to us from Bryan McMurtrie via Maurice Sharp. The photo was tagged  – Burnside Bros, Papatoetoe – International truck traveling from Papatoetoe to Tamaki River. In the photo the rig is rounding the bend on Mt Wellington highway on the outskirts of Mt Richmond Domain in Auckland.

Can we ID the boat – please tell me its not a Vindex………..

INPUT ex ALAN SEXTON – She is a 32′ Vindex, originally named Pai Rawa Atu, very skillfully home built by boiler maker Des Gray (he was a foreman at Steel Tanks and Structures) over a 5 yr period at their Papatoetoe home, double diagonal kauri hull powered by an upright T6.354 145 Perkins. Launched early 1972. I know all this because she was berthed beside us at HMB when my father owned Tarata. She is still around, has been re-engined and renamed, I believe lives at Gulf Harbour these days

02-02-2026 INPUT ex CHRIS MCMLLEN – Built by Des Gray of Panmure

CLASSIC WOODEN BOATS AT SANDSPIT MARINA 

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CLASSIC WOODEN BOATS AT SANDSPIT MARINA 

Today we have a report in from Mark Newcomb who was stooging around Sandspit Marina and the Club hardstand over the weekend. 

The first classic woody above is one we normally see at the Lake Rotoiti Classic & Wooden Boat Parade – its named RURU was possibly built in 1935 by Lidgard, 19’ in length.  https://waitematawoodys.com/2019/07/22/ruru/

In the second photo we see JUANITA, the 32’ , 1951 Allan Williams designed and built classic launch, getting some serious pre-summer TLC. https://waitematawoodys.com/2016/03/21/the-rebirth-of-juanita/

In T he third photo we see LADY MAY, a Salthouse 37, spirit of tradition classic. If its the same launch I spotted at KAWAU ISLAND over Labour weekend , I think is is running a Hamilton Jet unit.

Lastly we have the 36’ , 1922, Dick Lang built launch – LADY ADELAIDE looking like she is about to be hauled out. https://waitematawoodys.com/2021/11/22/lady-adelaide-a-peek-down-below/

CLASSIC LIDGARD LAUNCH MONTEREY GETS A BIRTHDAY

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2013

CLASSIC LIDGARD LAUNCH MONTEREY GETS A BIRTHDAY

The 1946 Lidgard built 32’ classic wooden launch MONTEREY has been a regular member of my boating inner circle over the last 20 years of classic boating. 

MONTEREY changed hands last year and over winter has been getting a refresh down below. Relax the above photos may appear a tad ‘refrigerator’ in colour but most of the timber trim and furnishing have been removed so the next photos we share she will look smarter.

Monterey is currently hauled out at the Slipway Milford for a Jason Prew Paint Job (JPPJ) and removing the decades of built up antifoam from her bottom. While out some of the systems and thru-hulls will be upgraded.

Very happy to see MONTEREY getting the TLC she deserves and hopefully more photos soon.

Two of my favourite MONTERY photos from the past below ❤️ (The stern signage was ex me having a quiet day in the studio)

UPDATE – Final coats of the Jase Prew Pint Job

CLASSIC SOUTHERN WOODEN LAUNCH – PONTIAC (REREMOANA)

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CLASSIC SOUTHERN WOODEN LAUNCH – PONTIAC (REREMOANA)

Back in July 2018 we ran a story on the 1910 classic wooden launch – PONTIAC, at the time we generated an enormous amount of intel on the vessel – link belowJul 2018 – https://waitematawoodys.com/2018/07/09/pontiac/

Now thanks to Ian McDonald’s eagle eye spotting a tme listing we get a greater look at PONTIAC.
What we have learnt is PONTIAC was built by McPhersons, Frederick St, Dunedin, for a publican in Pt Chalmers. She was originally named REREMOANA. Built of single skin carvel kauri, 33′ long and with a 8’3″ beam.The current engine is a BMC Commander 4 cylinder diesel that gets her along at8 knots. 

Amazing only 2 owners in that last 90 year – one 30 years and the other 60 years.

2025 KAWAU ISLAND SPRING SPLASH REGATTA – A WOODY WEEKEND TO REMEMBER – 50+ PHOTOS

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THERE IS A WOODY HIDING IN THERE – SEE BELOW ⬇️
RAINDANCE
KAIKOURA
CENTAURUS
CALLISTO
HGARUNUI
MARIHI
ST CLAIR
TAREE
MEOLA
RONAKI
VOLANTO
KIWARUA
MOANALUA
TUNA

2025 KAWAU ISLAND SPRING SPLASH REGATTA – A WOODY WEEKEND TO REMEMBER – 50+ PHOTOS

Pleased to report that the long weekend’s woody action at Kawau Island was an absolute triumph. Now in its second year, the Spring Splash Regatta — a joint venture between the Kawau Boating Club, Ponsonby Cruising Club, and Waitematawoodys — continues to grow in both size and spirit.

It’s still early days for what’s shaping up to be a great annual tradition, but this year’s event had an unmistakably upbeat, jaunty vibe. Everywhere you looked, people were smiling, swapping yarns, and clearly having a great time afloat and ashore.

I’ll apologise up front for being light on the yacht racing and prize-giving coverage — for reasons I won’t bore you with — but rest assured, the competition and camaraderie were both in full swing.

Sunday’s Woodys Classic Parade was the visual highlight of the weekend, showcasing a handsome flotilla of 17 classic launches for all those anchored in Bon Accord Harbour and watching from waterfront properties. Aside from a brief 10-minute burst of H₂O at the start, the weather came right and the parade looked spectacular.

A big thank you to the classic skippers and crews who took part — your efforts made for a great show.

Helming a boat among moored craft while trying to take photos is a fine line between “challenging” and “slightly reckless,” so I’m especially grateful to Dean Watchlin, Murray Deeble and Richard Bicknell for sharing their superb photos from the weekend.

Enjoy today’s gallery — loosely divided into two parts: the weekend’s happenings and the Sunday Parade. Sorry if the cameras missed your boat – some joined the parade midway and some departed midway. The crew of KAIKOURA below, correctly attired for the occasion 🙂

Mystery Northland Classic Wooden Launch – VALIENT

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Mystery Northland Classic Wooden Launch – VALIENT

Leaving the Whangārei Maritime Festival on Saturday, I made the rookie mistake of thinking, “I know a shortcut.” I didn’t.
Instead, I found myself deep in the industrial maze of Port Whangārei.

The upside? I stumbled across a couple of woodys hauled out at Oceania Marine — home to the biggest travel-lift I’ve ever laid eyes on.

Tucked away among a line-up of serious commercial tonnage was today’s mystery classic wooden launch. She’d clearly had some recent TLC and looked about ready to be splashed again.

I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the generous helping of zinc hanging off her stern gear… seems the message about no / over-zincing hasn’t quite made it this far north yet! 😅

So, woodys — what do we know about this mystery craft? Any sharp-eyed locals able to share her name and history?

15-10-2025 UPDATE ex owner – Launches name is VALIENT, once called PLAY-BOY, Possibly built by Bailey & Lowe. 32′ in length. Has spent several extend stints as a long-line fishing boat. Once owned by the RSA Fishing Club in Whangarei, they did the name change. In a previous life was moored in the Waitangi river. Currently powered by a Nissan diesel.Has undergone a rolling restoration with lots of structural work, which included over 800 new copper rivets.

WOODEN CLASSICS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT THE 2025 WHANGAREI MARITIME FESTIVAL – 60+ photos & videos

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WOODEN CLASSICS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT THE 2025 WHANGAREI MARITIME FESTIVAL

Early Saturday morning I pointed the car north and arrived in Whangārei just in time to catch the soft early light — perfect for photography and well before the dockside crowds arrived.

Whangārei’s Town Basin really is the ideal setting for a maritime festival — easy dock access, great viewing angles, and plenty of nearby cafés and attractions. Add in the buzz of the Saturday markets and you’ve got all the ingredients for a standout event.

Wooden boat numbers were a little down on last year, but a few visiting commercial vessels — including Customs, Pilot boats, fishing craft and a pair of Waka — helped round out the fleet. From a public point of view, it was still an impressive line-up. Given the number of classic boats that have migrated north in recent years, it would be great to see more of the region’s wooden heritage on display next time around.

It was great to catch up with so many familiar faces — clearly the new highway was busy with Aucklanders heading north for the weekend.

All up, a thoroughly enjoyable day. Hopefully today’s photo gallery will inspire a few more of you to make the trip in 2026.

And there is always a few foody pix – hands down the best two seafood fritters ever – one mussel and the star – one whitebait. And a free KOWHAI coffee because she liked my WW t-shirt.

FYI – when I’m at an event I point the camera at what catches my eye , sometimes I miss a few boats but I like to think the photos are more like someone strolling the docks rather than someone trying to capture the whole caboodle 🙂