Category Archives: Events

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH QUANDO AGROUND – What Happened Here

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH QUANDO AGROUND – What Happened Here

Recently woody John Dawson contacted WW regarding the top two photos of a launch named QUANDO, as we see in the (oldish photo) photos the vessel has ‘come ashore’.

On face value it appears to be not* a major mishap , maybe skipper miscalculated the tide when anchoring or dragged anchor. *(Unless the port-side tarpaulin and dinghy is covering up a major oops.)

Can anyone enlighten us as to what happened, the date and location.

A search on WW popped up the 3rd and 4th  photos above ex Jason Prew and Nathan Herbert , who spotted QUANDO berthed at Sulphur Point Marina, Tauranga, in February 2015. 

Sadly she has acquired a second story and lost the varnished coamings.

In the WW search the name QUANDO also popped up on a story on the launch KARINA (photo below & story link), where Adam Jane-Rashleigh commented that KARINA was a sister ship to his launch QUANDO.

KARINA

Read / view more on KARINA here https://waitematawoodys.com/2013/11/04/karina-2/

RSVP – boat name to waitematawoodys@gmail.com

CLASSIC BAY OF ISLNDS FERRY – BAY BELLE GETS A NEW LIFE

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2024

CLASSIC BAY OF ISLNDS FERRY – BAY BELLE GETS A NEW LIFE

If you’re  on fb I’m sure you would have seen the amazing project Kate Farrant has taken on board – refitting the old (1971>2011) Russell > Pahia ferry into a floating pizzeria. Kate and helpers has spent the past year restoring the 57’, built in 1960 by Deemings Bros – BAY BELLE and recently relaunched her. Link below to a Jan 2024 story from when she was 4sale, lots of photos https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/01/28/bay-belle-party-boat/

At this stage the plan is to base the pizzeria at Rakino Island this summer. And before you comment that there is already one ashore in Woody Bay, the superb pizzeria run by Alf Newton sadly closed permanently at the end of summer 2025. As I have mentioned on WW they were the best pizzas in Auckland.  So its exciting news to learn of Kate’s enterprise – but, big shoes to fill to equal Alf’s creations 🙂

WW has been contacted by a friend of Kate’s Josh Chapman who is in the process of documenting (video) Kate and BAY BELLE’s story and is keen to learn more about the boat’s history. Josh has made a short video to give us a sneak peek at the project.

So woody if you have any information on BAY BELLE, or know of anyone who was involved in building her back in the early 1960s?  leads to former crew, builders, or families connected to her history Josh would like to hear from you – joshchaps78@gmail.com

When Kate’s finished the fit out and up and running we will let you know. I can see a Classic Woodys Cruise to Rakino to celebrate the launch of summer 😉

And below is a reminder of how good Alf Newton’s woody Bay Pizzeria was – make sure you play the video – enjoy https://waitematawoodys.com/2021/01/08/surprise-and-delight-on-rakino-island/

rsvp – waitematawoodys@gmail.com

CLASSIC WOODY FUEL TANKER + CLEVEDON RIVER BBQ CRUISE DETAILS

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CLASSIC WOODY FUEL TANKER + CLEVEDON RIVER BBQ CRUISE DETAILS

When I first saw todays photo I thought it was Jason Prew’s launch MY GIRL loaded up for a xmas cruise. The photo was sent in by Barrie Abel (MV Matira) who spotted it on the wall at the office of Morton Timber in Clevedon.

You would have to hope those fuel drums are empty, but sometimes (fumes) that makes them more dangerous.

CLASSIC WOODYS CLEVEDON RIVER BBQ CRUISE 

And on the subject of Clevedon and the Wairoa River – todays the day we open the book for expressions of interest to come on the river cruise to the Clevedon Cruising Club for the annual waitematawoodys overnight dockside BBQ. This gig is one of the stand out events on the woodys calendar.

Those unfamiliar with the trip – check out this link to a previous cruise https://waitematawoodys.com/2022/09/19/woodys-classic-clevedon-cruise-report-sept-2022-50-photos/

We are always driven by the tides so this year its an early start – heading up the river at daylight – 6.15am. So we suggest leaving Friday late avo and anchoring in the bay. Many have done this in the past, makes for (almost) a leisurely start.

Normal plan – piloted Indian file cruise up the river, docking on the wharf, boats open for CBC members to inspect, evening BBQ at thecubrooms, leave early Sunday . Dogs welcome, but on a leash please.

For now – let us know – boat name, boat length, est. crew numbers email to waitematawoodys@gmail.com

RVSP TO waitematawoodys@gmail.com

FAMOUS UK SAILOR TOURS NEW ENGLAND – USA

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FAMOUS UK SAILOR TOURS NEW ENGLAND – USA

One of the many classic boating channels I follow is the very popular small dinghy cruising guru Roger Barnes, star of his own highly popular YouTube channel (link below). Roger recently visited the USA, primarily to promote small dinghy cruising at the recent wooden boat show at the Mystic Seaport Museum.

In the 20 minute video Roger gets to sail on numerous cruising dinghies, visits boatyards and mooches around many port towns . The journey started in Maryland, Washington DC.  and finished in Maine. 

Sit back and enjoy a tour of the wooden boating scene in North America, and woodys it’s not all about dinghies 🙂

LINK TO ROGER BARNES YOUTUBE CHANNEL  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtzWwFEMaEVXejzRKgPjPNA

MYSTERY SHIPBUILDERS WOODEN LAUNCH + SPRING SLASH REGATTA DETAILS

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MYSTERY AC DCS – SHIPBUILDERS WOODEN LAUNCH + SPRING SLASH REGATTA DETAILS

Well todays woody is only a mystery because (1) the owner didn’t put the vessels name on tme (thanks Ian McDonald) and (2) the phots are out of focus, stopping reading the name board.

All that aside we learnt that the launch was built in 1959 by Shipbuilders, is 36’ in length and powered by a 90hp Ford Dorset engine.

Hull is 3 planks of diagonal kauri so built like the brick out-house.

As for the Sea Nymph transplant canopy on top…………………….. I suppose it would be simple to remove ✓

UPDATE – as advised by John Bullivant the boats named AC DECS and resided on the Tamaki estuary, near the Panmure yacht club. It is shown in the ‘a woody tour of the Tamaki river’ WW story and also featured in a Feb 18 2023 WW story – linked below. https://waitematawoodys.com/2023/02/18/ac-dcs/ Ken Ricketts advised it was named WHIRONUI and has previously commented that she was most likely a Shipbuilders ‘kitset’ boat.

CIRCLE THE CALENDAR – LABOUR WEEKEND SPRING SLASH REGATTA @ KAWAU ISLAND

The place to be on the long holiday weekend of October 24>27th is Kawau Island and the crew at the Kawau Boating Club and Ponsonby Cruising Club are again hosting the world famous (in NZ…) Labour Weekend Spring Splash Regatta. waitematawoodys are chuffed to by involved with organising the classic woody parade on Sunday, details in the flyer below + downloadable PDF file, which includes the entry (free) form for the sailing events. Link below to 2024 eventhttps://waitematawoodys.com/2024/10/29/kawau-island-spring-splash-regatta-review-70-classic-wooden-boating-photos/

ATTENTION YACHT SKIPPERS – If the coastal classic isn’t your scene, put the Kawau Spring Splash Regatta on your radar ✔️

LABOUR WEEKEND SPRING SPLASH (2)Download

CLASSIC BOATERS GATHER FOR A SUNNY DAY OF SWAPS AND STORIES

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CLASSIC BOATERS GATHER FOR A SUNNY DAY OF SWAPS AND STORIES

Saturday delivered a cracker of a day in Auckland – crisp early on, but soon warming into blue skies and sunshine. Ideal conditions for a classic wooden boat gathering, even if this time we stayed firmly on dry land.

The occasion was the (almost annual) Woody Boat Boot Sale held at The Slipway, Milford – and frankly, you’d struggle to find a better venue. A special thanks to Cam Malcolm and Jason Prew for hosting us and for hauling out a few beautiful craft for close-up inspection. It added a real bonus for those who came for more than just shopping.

We had over 18 vendors on site, offering up a treasure trove of marine goods – everything from tiny cleats and chain plates to sails, bronze winches, stoves, and more. From what we saw, plenty of deals were done and everyone left with something – if not in hand, at least with a smile on their face.

It was also great to see so many familiar faces from the classic boating community. Events like this are about more than gear swapping – they’re about connection, community, and strengthening the bonds that keep the wooden boat movement alive and thriving. (photos yours truely & Geoff Fiebig)

Next Up: Mark Your Calendar – September 20th > 21st

Our next gathering is set for September 20th, and this time we’re heading back on the water – cruising up the Wairoa River to the Clevedon Cruising Club for an overnight dockside shindig. Expect a BBQ, live music, and the usual top-notch company. It’s always a highlight – more details to come soon, but lock the date in now.

HIDDEN FOR YEARS – HELP NEEDED IDENTIFYING THIS WOODEN CLASSIC 

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HIDDEN FOR YEARS – HELP NEEDED IDENTIFYING THIS WOODEN CLASSIC 

Recently WW was sent the above photo from Gabrielle Marris, who was looking for help identifying the craft. Gabrielle’s father had recently passed away and as part of the ’sorting out belongings’ there was a rather large belonging e.g. the boat, stored in a shed. Gabrielle commented that it had been there a long time and her dad had once worked on it with her grandfather.

I shared to photo with a few WW readers and all were in agreement that in another life she would have been a sail boat , this view is supported by the presence of chain plates on her hull. 

Anyone with sharp eyes and a good memory able to tell use the design of the vessel.

For Those That Read WW In the Early Hours, Todays The Woodys Boat Boot Sale at the Milford Slipway yard.

UPDATE – 18 SELLERS ONSITE

Scroll down to Fridays WW story to see a location map.

DATE: SATURDAY 02 AUGUST TIME: 10am > 12pm VENUE: 5 Omana Road, Milford

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – LADY ALLISON > NORLOCK + BOAT BOOT SALE

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – LADY ALLISON NORLOCK + BOAT BOOT SALE

After yesterday bumper story on the 2025 Classic Woodys Boat Show at OBC Marina, I thought your eyes may need a rest, so a short one today.

The wooody launch NORLOCK recently popped up on tme, thanks Ian McDonald, in a previous life she was named LADY ALLISON.

The listing states that she was built in 1958 by Colin Wild, I suspect this isn’t correct as I’m told Colin Wild’s last boat was in 1955 and he died shortly after that. 

What we do know she is approx. 33’ and powered by a 140hp Lees Ford engine that has her cruising at 8 knots.

Interior looks quite smart and she appears to be another bargain buy at $9k ono.

Can we learn more about the vessel and clear up her heritage.

CIRCLE THE CALENDAR – ONLY 10 DAYS UNTIL THE BOAT BOOT SALE AT THE SLIPWAY MILFORD YARD – AUG 2nd

We already have a great group of boaties looking to off load their treasure , details below. Still not too late to secure a spot, or just rock up on the day.

CLASSIC WOODYS BOAT SHOW AT OBC

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All Alone & Very Cold – (overnighting due to mast height)

CLASSIC WOODYS BOAT SHOW AT OBC

On Sunday we held the inaugural classic woodys boat show  – hosted by the OBC Marina. 

WW was holding hands with Auckland’s – Outdoor Boating Club on Tamaki Drive as they celebrated their annual open day. Magic location and set up – check out the club here https://www.obc.co.nz

As it seems to always happen at woodys events, the weather was 10/10, a perfect winners day. Check out the photo gallery above.

The day had all the ingredients for a fun family day out – Nice boats + Nice people, topped off with classic trailer boats, classic cars, food/coffee trucks, kids activities and a bonus – the team from LEGASEA , the kiwi hero’s that are dedicated to restoring the abundance, biodiversity and health of NZ’s marine environment – check out the website https://legasea.co.nz

Enjoy the photos, it was a great day and everyone left with a smile on their face.

MYSTERY WOODEN CRAFT – KERIKERI FLOOD + COOL DOCKSIDE EVENT

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MYSTERY WOODEN CRAFT – KERIKERI FLOOD + COOL DOCKSIDE EVENT

Todays woody photo comes to us from the Far North District Library collection via Dean Wright. The photographer being Gary Strongman (Northern Advocate).

The location is Kerikeri and is dated March 1981 and is tagged ‘post Kerikeri Flood’.

In the photo we see  ‘modernist’ launch coming to the aid of what appears to be a partially submerged boat. Both craft have reg numbers visible so probably workboats – the launch # could be ND 2524 and the submerged at a guess AK ?756 0r ?758.

Can we ID the boats.

INPUT EX GARY MATHESON– Hi, the vessels in the photo of the Keri Keri flood are the Chante and the Zita. Both were commercial fishing at the time. The Zita was a 28ft mullety and the Chante was owned by the Strongmans.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO NEXT SUNDAY (20-07-2025)

Come along to the OPEN DAY at OBC marina – details below.

Things to see, do, eat and drink:

  • Classic Boats – On berths and trailers, including visiting vessels from Waitemata Woodys.
  • Marama – Kohimarama Yacht Club’s beautifully restored, solar-powered committee boat.
  • Amphibious Action – See Haines Hunter’s Overlander boat in action on our ramps.
  • Special Cars & Motorbikes – A unique display of vintage and specialty vehicles.
  • Clubhouse Open – Explore our clubrooms and learn about fascinating Motuihe Island.
  • Kai Ika and Auckland Council’s Marine Biosecurity trailer.
  • Meet Biosecurity sniffer dogs (if they haven’t been called out to a job).
  • Delicious eats – Grab a bite from the Mexican food truck and ice creams. The bar will be open and there will be a coffee cart.
  • Fun for kids – Bouncy castle and children’s activities.
  • Self-Guided Treasure Hunt – Take a walk around . Get a great prize at the end (includes 5L dry bag, 200 to be won).