Category Archives: A Peek Down Below

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUCNH – ROSINA (Iron Bark) 

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUCNH – ROSINA (Iron Bark) 

Earlier in the week WW contacted by Steve Bass concerning details on a Weiti River craft. Steve mentioned a launch that he had previously owned named – ROSINA, and in reply to my standard reply -“send details”, we get to learn her history. Best if I let Steve tell the story (edited)

“I bought Rosina at Easter 1999 after she had had a major rebuild from 1986 to 1995, work included her Kauri planked hull clad in 1/4″ ply on the sides of the hull and 1/2″ on the bottom over 1/2” kauri planks and then fibreglassed. Her decks, cabin and interior were new so was basically a brand new boat when relanched at Stillwater on the 15th Jan 1995.

She was originally called Iron Bark and was launched at Meola Creek in 1947. I re-powered her in 2005 with a Nanni 3.10HE as the original 2 cyld Nanni was too underpowered. She is 20’ long x 6’ wide and draws 18”. Has a cruising speed of 6.5k and tops out at 8k. 

Sadly I sold her in March 2024 after owning her for 25 years when I retired. She is currently land bound near Raglan after her current owner took her out of the water after sitting in the mooring at Wyuna Bay Coromandel for 20 months. Hopefully she will see some more use in the near future.”
In the last photo we see ROSINA being hauled and trucked back to Steves property for her biannual dose of TLC.

Anyone able to make a suggestion on the design / builder.

In NZ we get upset when the Prime Minister uses one of our Air Forces ageing transport planes – life is a tag more swish in Oslo, Norway – check out the Royal yacht below https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdEdyxFoZtF/?stkn=ZHJjb3IzcW14YnZw

CLASSIC MOTOR SAILER – ASTROLINDA + 4Sale

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CLASSIC MOTOR SAILER – ASTROLINDA  + 4Sale

Todays classic wooden motor-sailer ASTROLINDA has a magnificent provenance – designed by Athol Burns and built professionally by Morgan Boatbuilders  of Picton in 1966 (named MANUTAI when launched)                                                                                                Built of carvel construction, 34’6”, with kauri hull and decks, mahogany cabin sides and ply deck-head. Put simply an elegant classic with pedigree and class, she fully retains her original aura, character and pedigree. But at the same time, a careful integration of modern systems and technology ensures the very latest in comfort – auto pilot, cabin heater, furling headsail, hot shower, + extensive systems upgrade, sleeps 4>5.

ASTROLINDA has benefited from a succession of caring owners that have all maintained her in consistently exceptional condition.

 Her current owners have enjoyed her for approx. 10 years, during this period they have undertaken the following projects – (overview only) –

• Powered by a Ford 80hp 4 cylinder diesel engine – fully reconditioned • New fuel lift pump, new starter motor, new alternator, reconditioned raw water pump • New Maxwell RC10 anchor winch installed with remote control • New 12 volt batteries installed • Mast removed and all rigging stripped off > mast paint stripped/sanded and repainted with 8 coats of paint, halyard winch fitted > mast fitted with new wiring and new riding  and steaming lights plus new deck floodlights. Rigging checked, reassembled and mast reinstated • New Simrad  radar + chart plotter/sounder + / VHF (AIS capable) installed  • New 1 KW transducer installed • New 12/230 volt fridge fitted • New 80 m x 10mm galvanised anchor chain  fitted • New gas detector and electric solenoid safety on/off valve installed

ASTROLINDA is a practical classic motorsailer that is fun to use and with the use of low maintenance materials is easy to maintain.  An inspection will showcase the quality of materials, construction and craftsman ship evident throughout and attest to the fact she has been well loved and cared for by her owners, past and present.

Now offered for sale to the next generation of cruising sailors and their families. ASTROLINDA should be a must-see for anyone in the market for a well-maintained, classic sailing yacht on which to have their own adventures, whether that be as a floating bach in the Picton or relocated to the northern cruising grounds.Interest parties wanting to learn more about ASTROLINDA to initially contact waitematawoodys@gmail.com

Possibly when launched

Click images below to enlarge

CAN WE PUT A NAME ON THIS CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – SAGA

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CAN WE PUT A NAME ON THIS CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – SAGA

Today’s woody has us scratching our heads — can anyone put a name to this classic?

We’re told she was built in 1946 by Bailey with a kauri hull, and measures 35’. Power comes from a 146hp Perkins T6354 diesel.

A recent appearance on tme — thanks Ian McDonald for spotting her — suggests she has benefited from a number of systems upgrades and maintenance work in recent times.

At under 15k, she could represent a very affordable ticket into the world of classic wooden boating.

If you recognise the boat or know anything about her history, drop a note in the WW comments section. Home is Opua, Northland.

INPUT ex NATHAN HERBERT – her name is SAGA https://waitematawoodys.com/2022/11/06/saga-a-peek-down-below/

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH STERLING GIRL RISES IN PRICE

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH STERLING GIRL RISES IN PRICE 

It seems the southern woodys haven’t quite received the memo about the classic wooden boat market reset.

Back in 2018, while wandering the Picton waterfront, I had to be practically dragged away from the 1913 bridge-decker STERLING GIRL.

Back then, she ticked just about every box for me — 35 feet, Bailey & Lowe, ex-workboat, a wood fire and, best of all, a Ford Model T steering wheel/helm. (Yes, I know… I’m shallow.)

And in my eyes – absolutely drop-dead gorgeous.

At the time, STERLING GIRL was priced at 26k, which seemed pretty fair value. Fast-forward seven years and she’s apparently still looking for a new custodian — but the asking price has risen to 29k

Perhaps she has been re-powered or received some serious TLC along the way. Or perhaps there’s simply now a broker involved and a commission to accommodate…

The real challenge may simply be geography. For a northern-based woody enthusiast, getting STERLING GIRL relocated could add a significant chunk to the purchase price.

Seven years later, I still think she’s a stunner.

CLASSIC WOODEN MOTORSAILER – NAMELESS

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CLASSIC WOODEN MOTORSAILER – NAMELESS

Todays woody is a recent addition on tme, thanks Ian McDonald. The 47’ Sang designed motorsailer NAMELESS was built in 1953 in Miramar, Wellington. Powered by a 65hp Albion Albatross diesel engine (1947).

Her owners of 25 years say she needs a tidy and some maintenance, but at sub 100k NAMELESS is a lot of boat and she has the X factor ie a looker.
A great selection of photos from her build / launching.

1912 EARLY SETTLER LAUNCH – SEABIRD

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1912 EARLY SETTLER LAUNCH – SEABIRD

Todays classic woody is named SEABIRD,  a very popular name on WW. This one made a brief appearance on WW back in December 2020. At the time we learnt from Harold Kidd that she was built at Motukaraka, Hokianga by Kelsey Bros to their own design for their own use in April 1912 with a 6hp Automatic engine. The last photo above was from the 2020 story. 

SEABIRD has recently popped up on tme (thanks Ian McDonald) where we are told  she is 27’ in length, double skin kauri hull, powered by a 80hp Hino diesel. SEABIRD has spent most of its life on the Hokianga and was built for the sheltered but demanding waters of this harbour. 

Her owner commented that she was “looking a tad shabby right now but the bones are there to get this back into great vintage condition”. She served originally as the Kelsey family launch, as well as a Butter Boat and School Boat.

WW hopes a new passionate owner is found for SEABIRD – her location, condition and style/configuration will be challenging but these earlier settler launches need preserving.

NGATIRA – RARE CLASSIC WOODEN YACHT FRESH FROM RESTORATION & READY FOR HER NEXT CHAPTER

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NGATIRA – RARE CLASSIC WOODEN YACHT FRESH FROM RESTORATION & READY FOR HER NEXT CHAPTER

Heads up – when it comes to the 1904 Chas Bailey Jnr. designed and built yacht – NGATIRA, I’m a tad biased. I have known her owner , Steve Horsley for 25+ years, in fact he is responsible for igniting my passion for classic wooden boats. We worked together in the same advertising agency and I used see Steve each year crafting the Mahurangi Cruising Club Year Book and view / read the wonderful tales on wooden craft that participated in the Mahurangi Regatta.

At the same time Steve was undertaking a FULL rebuild / restoration on NGATIRA. I witnessed the highs and lows of a hands on, one man, self funded project. The fact he came thru it (twice) is a testament to his fortitude and a very sympathetic wife 🙂

Steve has owned NGATIRA since 1998 and converted her back to original gaff configuration over a 5 year restoration 2005-2010.

Then he undertook a second 5 year restoration in the 2020-2025 period.

As she sits today NGATIRA is in immaculate condition, better than as launched 122 years ago. 

Steve is one of those people you hate, he can turn his hands to just about anything – what you see in the above photos is Steve’s work. Including bespoke traditional rigging, spars, blocks.

She sports a very traditional sail wardrobe – main, topsail, jib and staysail.

Forward propulsion when not sailing is via a Yanmar 3YM30AE diesel engine.

If you have read this far you will be starting to think that NGATIRA is for sale – well woodys she is – now is the chance to own an immaculate classic yacht that is ready to sail away today – either classic cruising  and racing with the Auckland’s classic yachting group. 

Classics with the WoW factor that NGATIRA exhibits are very rare and its a buyers market.  

Interested parties to initially connect Steve Horsley at srhorsley@gmail.com

MAHAKI – 1895 LOGAN YACHT SEEKS A NEW CUSTODIAN 

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RESTORATION – 1980’s

LAUNCH DAY

2026 SHED PHOTOS 

MAHAKI – 1895 LOGAN YACHT SEEKS A NEW CUSTODIAN 

Back in October 2024 the 1895 Jack Logan built yacht – MAHAKI came onto the WW radar via a request from Chris Leech from the Devonport Yacht Club re the yachts current owners. DYC had received a gift of the ‘NZ Yachtsman Cup’ that MAHAKI won in 1910. (below b/w photos from her past)

Some history that we have learned – MAHAKI was owned by Harry Upton, and his friends Geoff Clark and Dick Wilson (later his brother in law) during the 1930s. Owned by Russell Going an Auckland architect in the early/mid 1980’s.

Bought by Eric Wing (McMullan & Wing) in the mid 1980’s. Partially restored by Wing and then on his passing in 1994 was purchased by Peter Blundell who finished the project in Clevedon.

Todays photos are in three parts – firstly photos from the 1980’s restoration, then as seen at her relaunching after Peter completed the restoration project And lastly as MAHAKI is today, back in Peter’s shed part way thru a refresh. 

Aside from showcasing this wonderful 130 year old artefact, the purpose of todays WW story is to help Peter Blundell secure MAHAKI’s next chapter. A very common thread in my conversations with owners is that who the next custodian is and their commitment to the vessel is more important than the sale price. I do not want to scare people off but if you think you or someone you know are fitting of adding their name to the list of people that have rubbed up against MAHAKI, be prepared for a robust ‘interview’

Interested parties to initially contact Peter at pblundell2270@gmail.com

CLASSIC WOODEN FROSTBITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT THE NZ TRADITIONAL BOATBUILDING SCHOOL 

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CLASSIC WOODEN FROSTBITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT THE NZ TRADITIONAL BOATBUILDING SCHOOL 

The long term WW followers will be familiar with The New Zealand Traditional Boat Building School, I have attended several courses over the years and it was a sad day when it went into hibernation. After YEARS! of procrastination around getting access to the Vos Shed on Auckland’s waterfront its so good that the school has a permanent home and is up and running again.

Some background, NZTBS is a volunteer run charitable trust started in 2005 that has been providing education, skills development, personal growth, community support, youth development and plays an active part in maintaining New Zealand’s valuable maritime history. Check out the website and learn how you can help this worthy group survive. Money is always nice – https://givealittle.co.nz/org/nztbs  but how about you or a couple of friends enrolling in one of the many hands on courses –https://nztbs.org.nz/

Currently the NZTBS team have been commissioned to build a classic wooden Frostbite sailing dinghy(hull #313) as seen above in todays gallery.

Frostbite History and Design

  • Designed by Jack Brooke in 1937 as a stable, versatile father-and-son boat that could handle general use and fishing.
  • Became the premier class for the Wakatere Boating Club and achieved national status in 1946.
  • Served as the official secondary school sailing trainer in New Zealand from 1951 until 1975.
  • Built with traditional clinker (lapstrake) wooden construction.

RESTORATION OF THE 26’ TERCEL BROS BUILT CLASSIC YACHT – ROXANE

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RESTORATION OF THE 26’ TERCEL BROS BUILT CLASSIC YACHT – ROXANE

Recently WW was contacted by Ross Dawson with an update on the restoration of his brother, Keith Dawsons Tercel built 26’ yacht – ROZANE.

Before we start todays story , back in May 2018 we ran a brilliant story on Keith celebrating his 105th birthday and we were also given an insight into the 1937 voyage Keith and his mate Dick Wellington undertook sailing ROXANE from Auckland to Sydney, Australia. Link to the story below. (Keith passed away in Dec 2018)

May 2018 https://waitematawoodys.com/2018/05/13/roxane-a-105th-birthday-party/

Then in September 2024 Ross updated us on the start of the restoration of ROXANE at the hands of Ralph Finch. Link to that story below. Sept 2024 https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/09/15/restoration-of-a-new-zealand-classic-wooden-yacht-in-australia-roxane/

Now fast forward to July 2026 and Ross has shared the above photo and the note below he received from Ralph in Cairns, Australia :-

“We’ve now installed a total of 11 sister ribs on the starboard side from beside the engine and moving back towards the stern. I want to get another 2 ribs in if I can, tucked under the rear deck. It’ll be a tight squeeze.

We’ve also started steaming, bending and clamping longer sections of spotted gum to be used, 3 each side, as backing blocks for the chain plates. The original internal backing blocks for the chain plates only extended 3 planks down the sides. The new pieces we’re making will extend down a total of 7 planks thereby spreading the stress and upward pull from the mast and rig over more of the hull. We’ll use copper nails and roves to fix them in place.

I had removed a 3 meter length of the sheer strake (very top plank at deck level) on the starboard side with the intention of replacing that section with Oregon Pine. Removal of the sheer strake revealed the beam shelf, a heavy internal timber running fore-and-aft along the top of the hull which supports the deck beams. Unfortunately, the now exposed beam shelf shows a great deal of dry rot. It has been very time consuming digging out the dry rot back to a solid timber base.

As you can see in the photos, the beam shelf has a great many holes in it. We’re treating the dry rot sections with preserver and then packing west system epoxy mixed with spotted gum wood shavings as filler. If this much dry rot is in just a 3 meter length then I feel I have no choice but to remove the sheer strakes both sides and the full length of the boat. The starboard side may be the worst as this was the side of the boat that had layers and layers of wet leaves sitting for 20 odd years.

Even with the beam shelf repaired, I’m intending to strengthen it further by cutting, shaping and fixing a doubled up layer of ¾ inch thick marine ply (1.5 inch thick total) under the present beam shelf for the whole length of the boat and both port and starboard sides. Yep there’ll be a few scarf joints in all of that!! It’s impossible to remove the existing beam shelf, so all we can do is strengthen and reinforce it.

We’ve also exposed a small section of dry rot in the starboard bilge stringer.

We haven’t really started work on the port side of the boat. This restoration project seems destined to drag out for a little longer.“