Yesterday while trolling thru the WW archives I found a file that had slipped between the cracks, and deserves to be shared.
Back in early 2023 I was contacted by Richard Amery from the Lake Rotoiti Classic & Wooden Boat Assoc. asking for help on a project. The club were wanting to acknowledge the very generous (20+ yrs) gift of access to one of Alan Clark’s boat sheds for club storage. Richard commented that the club had plans to present him with (a surprise) half model of Alan’s classic wooden launch – PRINCESS.
WAITEMATA WOODYS input was to locate a suitably talented craftsman to build the model. That was relatively easy, the hard part was tracking down plans, out of water photos, dimensions etc without Alan Clark’s knowledge. That’s where follow club member Grant Wallace entered the equation and with some undercover work we had the intel for the project to proceed.
I have not mentioned the craftsman because I’m sure he doesn’t want to be swamped with requests for similar projects 😉
I understand that Alan Clark was over the moon with the 1/2 model and it takes pride of place in his lakeside home. Lots of photos of PRINCESS on WW, just use the Search Box.
THE NEXT BIG CLASSIC WOODYS EVENT – Clevedon River Overnight BBQ Cruise Nov 14>15
RSVP NOW – BOAT NAME AND APPX CREW #’s – Note dock space is limited
CAN WE PUT A NAME TO THIS CLASSIC LAUNCH + NEXT WOODYS EVENT DETAILS– the boat is LADY JOYCE > LADY JANE
After a record viewing day yesterday, today we revert to one of the many things WW does well – locating / tracking down details on someones classic wooden craft.
Yesterday WW was contacted by John Gilroy concerning his father launch. John tells the story below –
“I am hoping your readers can help identify the old launch as per attached photos.This was my Dad’s,Herbert Gilroy, launch. Mum is standing on the back.
Dad knew Harold Kidd mainly through the vintage car community.I only recently found this photo of the launch in a collection of old slides. I have been told that it may have been built by Sam Ford. I would appreciate any information or details on the vessel” (edited)
John mentions Sam Ford above but in my eyes its got Lidgard written all over her. The addition of the ‘Tauranga Deck’ at the rear would not have been original , and should help with ID’ing her.
Please use the WW Comments section with any replies.
INPUT ex SCOTT – the launch is LADY JOYCE, later renamed LADY JANE, link below. Next question, where is she today.
KAWAU SPRING SPLASH CLASSIC PARADE – 25 WOODYS + A BAY FULL OF BOATS
If you were thinking about buying a classic wooden boat but weren’t quite sure which style floated your boat, a visit to the 2026 Kawau Boating Club Spring Splash over Labour Weekend would have gone a long way towards answering that question!
Over the last two days, I’ve shared a series of semi-random Waitemata Woodys posts to give you a taste of the action, both ashore at the KBC and out on the water.
Aside from New Year’s Eve, I can’t recall seeing so many boats anchored in Bon Accord Harbour. Now, I know that’s not everyone’s scene – some skippers will do a U-turn if they’re not the only boat in the bay! But for most, the fleet, the atmosphere and the chance to catch up with fellow boating enthusiasts are all part of the magic.
There were a few new systems to navigate and the inevitable operational speed bumps, but none of that stopped the good times rolling. Each evening, the dining and partying got underway, with music perfectly matched to the crowd. The food gets an 8/10 from me, which is high praise indeed!
So, a big tick to the team behind the weekend. If you enjoyed this year’s gathering, do yourself a favour and circle Labour Weekend 2027 in your diary now.
Today, I’m sharing a photo gallery focusing on Sunday’s WaitemataWoodys Classic Wooden Boat Parade. We had a fantastic turnout, with 25 classic craft joining the parade. I have include a few photos that show the ambience of the KBC (thanks to Beth Houlbrook from KBC for her photos). When I cover these big events, my objective is to try and give the WW readers a taste / feel for what it was like, so enjoy the gallery and remember if you click on a photo it enlarges.
And it wasn’t just the parade. I’ve never seen so many classic wooden motorboats out on the water at one time, the bay was absolutely teeming with woodys, my count was 41 classic craft.
Enjoy the gallery, and remember, clicking on any photo will enlarge it. Scroll down to view the two previous weekend posts.
P.S. If you were there and we missed your boat, apologies. With so many classics on the water, keeping track of everyone was always going to be a challenge.
Firstly I hope Sundays WW story appeared ok , first time done totally remotely from mobile phone and dodgy internet connection + a little late at night….
Sunday we had the Classic Woodys Parade in Bon Accord Harbour – amazing turnout , 24 classic craft gathered off Kawau Boating Club for a celebratory cruise around the bays.
A huge thank you to the skippers that made the effort to turn up and special thanks to the Kawau locals that cheered the fleet on from their bachs and wharfs.
Only a few parade photos today, just too many to edit on the phone – full report on Tuesday.
We held a parade prize giving on Sunday nights at KBC and most woody skippers walked away with a smile on their face ✔️. Full photo gallery from the bay and parade on WW Tuesday.
CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH LOLENE LOOKING VERY SAD + LABOUR WEEKEND KAWAU ISLAND SPRING SPLASH DETAILS
The classic kauri carvel sedan launch LOLENE was designed and built by Billy Rogers & launched in 1963 as his own launch. Back in April 2014 WW ran a story on her and we learnt from Harold Kidd that she was named after one of his daughters, as were a lot of Billy’s boats.
powered by 6 cylinder 120hp Ford diesel. She measured 34’Length, 10’ 9” beam & 3’ 3” draft. 5’ 10” headroom and powered by 6 cylinder 120hp Ford diesel. Link to 2014 story here – https://waitematawoodys.com/2014/04/08/lolene/
Earlier in the week John Dawson sent in the above photos from Waiheke Island. Fingers crossed someone out there loves her, she is desperately needing some TLC.
KAWAU ISLAND SPRING SPLASH – do not want to temp fate but everything is falling into place – weather forecast ✔️, bands / DJ’s everyday at Kawau Boating Club ✔️, new caterers and menu ✔️, refurbished clubrooms ✔️, events for all – sailing races, cruising events, classic woodys parade – ✔️, and its all free ✔️, no entry fees, no cover charges , clubrooms open to all boaties✔️, there is even an extended ferry service from Sandspit for non boaties ✔️ – programme below.
DEVASTATING BREAK-IN AT THE HISTORICAL MARITIME PARK – PAEROA
In the last 24 hrs the social media drums have been beating about two woodys – ARIANA and NORITA that were broken into at the Historical Maritime Park in Paeroa.
Both vessels were stripped of brass fittings and other important items, including portholes, steering wheels, railings, controls and dials. These boats are more than 100 years old. Their fittings are part of their history and are more than likely irreplaceable.
The park crew are appealing for the safe return of the stolen items and for any information that may help. If you have been offered fittings matching this description, or know anything about this crime, please contact the police or the Historical Maritime Park.
Back in April 2022 we took a Waitrmatawoodys flotilla up the Wairoa River for a visit to the Museum, we overnight berthed dockside and we hosted to a great BBQ. During the weekend several of the woodys crew went aboard the classic wooden 34’ launch ARIANA under the command of skipper and tour guide – Peter Vandersloot, and travelled from the Museums dock to the town dock in the centre of Paeroa township. The journey takes approx an hour.
The photo above has appeared on WW before, capturing and promoting the X-factor that makes Kawau Island such a special destination for classic boaters. Its sheltered anchorages, rich maritime heritage and relaxed cruising atmosphere make it hard to beat for a Labour Weekend escape.
Over the past few years, the Kawau Boating Club, Ponsonby Cruising Club and WaitemataWoodys — three staunch supporters of classic boating and the cruising lifestyle — have been working together to develop and promote a gathering of traditional craft in and around Kawau Island.Brought together under the banner of Labour Weekend Spring Splash.
The event is becoming a wonderful opportunity for owners and crews to get out on the water, catch up with fellow enthusiasts and celebrate everything that makes classic wooden boating so special.It’s all about good boats, good company and the timeless pleasure of cruising in one of the Hauraki Gulf’s most treasured destinations.
• SATURDAY – Matakana Markets River Cruise & Round the Island Yacht Race
• SUNDAY – Waitematawoodys Classic Parade & Short Course Yacht Race + Race Giving ar KBC
• MONDAY – Breakfast at KBC
Each day the KBC clubrooms will be open to all boaties + we have new managers and menu. Check on-line for opening hours. https://kawauboatingclub.nz
f you are not racing there is no requirement to enter, just turn up and enjoy the weekend and the sociability of the KBC. Hey you my enjoy it and consider becoming a member 😉
PS – I emailed details out to the WW data base earlier in the week, but not surprisingly not everyone is on the database. If you want to be kept updated on classic events and gatherings – just drop an email to waitematawoodys@gmail.com with your name, boat name (if you have one) and mobile number. We do not spam you, it is a very tight list.
WOODYS GETTING SOME TLC + Marine Yard Sale This Saturday
As we get closer to the summer boating season, several woodys are nearing completion of significant winter work.
The first woody above is the Sam Ford built MENAI that came in for a deck replacement but the scope has slipped out to some TLC, MENAI is one of my favourite classic wooden launches so very happy to see her new owners commitment to her.
The last photo is of the 42’ LADY MARGARET (Colin Wild) in the shed for a big birthday (100 in 1927) treat – photo was sent as a tease, with the promise of a full story soon.
HEADS UP – the Te Atatu Boating Club are having a Marine Yard sale this Saturday (3rd Oct),.Nice and early start – 7am A great opportunity to find those goodies or to sell those preloved unused items. Seller spots also available for non TABC members if any of your readers wish to buy a spot. Details are on the poster below.
