Category Archives: Events

2025 FIORDLAND CLASSIC BOAT FESTIVAL REPORT

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2025 FIORDLAND CLASSIC BOAT FESTIVAL REPORT

One of the many publications WW receives is ‘DEADWOOD’, the newsletter of The Picton Clinker & Classic Boat Club. They are an amazing club and so proactive. Each month reading the newsletter makes me feel very positive about the NZ classic wooden boat community, we need more clubs like the PC&CB thru out NZ.

The latest issue of DEADWOOD featured what I believe was the inaugural Fiordland Classic Boat Festival, held on the weekend of May 23>25 2025. I have included a few photos above and enclosed a PDF copy (below) of the newsletter for those wanting to read more.

The event also celebrated the tourist boat FAITH’s 90th birthday, a truely stunning woody operated as a charter boat by Fiordland Heritage Cruises – photo below https://fiordlandhistoriccruises.co.nz
Which reminds me I must do a WW story on FAITH’s provenience. 

COPY OF DEADWOOD NEWSLETTER

Clinker newsletter no 224 July 2025Download

YESTERDAY MYSTERY LAUNCH UPDATE – the mystery remains but I can tell you its not ARIES. Could go into a lot of details but simplest answer is only 2 pots holes – ARIES had three and they were round, not oblong – refer below photo. A tip use the WW search box before casting your vote 😉

CLASSIC WOODEN BOAT RIVER CRUISE – TRIP REPORT

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MATRIA
KIWA
MANAPOURI
KIWA
NGAIO + MANAPOURI + TUHUA
KALUA
WAIKARO
MA CHERIE
KIWA + MA CHERIE
TUHUA
KIWA + KALUA
MARISTELLA
WAIKARO+ MY GIRL
RAINDANCE
MANAPOURI

CLASSIC WOODEN BOAT RIVER CRUISE – TRIP REPORT
Fridays Classic woodys cruise to the waterfront Riverhead Tavern for lunch was a grand day afloat, 13 classic wooden craft made the journey up the upper reaches of the Waitemata Harbour to the historic tavern. It was extra special with several first-timers making the trip.
We were blessed with the weather and also having just one of the tourist ferries making the trip on the day, which allowed us to berth a lot of the boat on the jetty.

Special mention to the 7 classic launch skippers and partners that came by water taxi (MY GIRL) – Cam Malcolm (Connie V), Rodger Moore (ex Te Hauraki), Jason Davies (Lucinda), and those via car – Ian Gavin (Florance Dawn), Matt Cooper (Korawai) and John Chambers (Ngarunui), Murray Deeble ( Waikiore) combined with the 13 boats on the water we had crews from 20 classic craft present on the day. Very happy with that turn out.

True to form, the tavern and its staff extended their usual warm hospitality.
Enjoy the photo gallery

HELP IDENTIFY THIS WOODEN BOAT

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HELP IDENTIFY THIS WOODEN BOAT

Woody John Dawson sent in the above photo, but wasn’t able to ID the vessel, I have an idea but better to throw it open to the WW readers. (apologise for small photo size)

Suggestions in the comments box would be appreciated.

INPUT ex Ken Ricketts – It’s the FLORAY, built by & for Major, (Christian name, not rank), Bailey, on his back lawn on the corner of Wheturangi & Greenlane Rds., in 1948-49 using the frames from Hec Goodfellow’s RANUI, borrowed from RANUI’s builders, Roy Lidgards boatbuilders.

She was named after his wife Flo & his only son Ray.

Her name was later changed to LEILANI, & I believe she is now neglected beyond repair, & was last seen on a hillside property at Thames by me, several years ago.

Alan H Comment – There is speculation as to the build, with Harold Kidd commenting previously that Lidgard built the hull and she was finished by her owner. Also the name as launched could have been FLORAE, or maybe thats what it was registered as. Whether way, sad that she has ended up in a paddock. Photo in the 2023 story – WW Aug2023  https://waitematawoodys.com/2023/08/09/leilani-florae-floray-jolly-roger/

And if your not on the WW email list – details on Fridays Woodys Lunch Cruise to the waterfront Riverhead Tavern below

For those skippers / boats taking part in Fridays Classic Woodys Riverhead Tavern Lunch cruise – see below details re meeting times etc.

If your boat is out for winter maintenance or you are boat less, coming by car is an option to consider.

DATE : FRIDAY 20 JUNE (4 days away)

MEETING LOCATION: HERALD ISLAND / LUCAS CREEK AREA

DEPARTURE > RIVER: 11.45am

ARRIVE PUB: APPROX 12.15PM

HW= 2.10 – TIDE = 2.88m

DEPART PUB: 3.00pm >> (skippers call, if in doubt leave/follow the ferry)

Being a public holiday there will be 2 ferries making the trip, so please give them right of way on the river and at the jetty. 

PLEASE BRING YOUR DINGHY – as jetty space is very limited.

Reviewing the list of boats that have RSVP’ed, I think all have braved the river before so skippers should be ok with navigation and anchoring spots, if you want a refresh, email me and I will supply details. AND REMEMBER ME TRAVEL IN INDIAN FILE UP THE RIVER – no overtaking.

CLASSIC LAUNCH RUAMANO – A JOURNEY GONE WRONG

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NZ Herald Front Page 02-01-2001
NZ Herald Inner Page 02-01-2001

CLASSIC LAUNCH RUAMANO – A JOURNEY GONE WRONG

Over the years there have been several mentions on WW of the loss of the 43’ Collings & Bell built launch – RUAMANO launched in 1925 at Freemans Bay, Auckland. 

Let us not pussy foot around – loss is the wrong word. At the time maritime authorities used stronger words e.g. ‘crew abandoned it’ / ‘questioned the need to abandon’ / ‘vessel was not in a life-threatening situation’ / ‘crew appeared to have simply had enough’ / ‘lack of experience may have been a factor’ / they bit off more than they could chew’. 

On New Years Day 2001 the NZ classic boating community lost one of its finest craft, and reading the reports it appears it did not need to have happened. 

Recently WW was contacted by Denis O’Callahan, past co-owner of the wonderful Colin Wild built woody – TASMAN. Denis commented that he had been working on preparing a summary of the logbooks from the TASMAN. Nine volumes from 26 December 1971 to 12 December 2020.

In the back of Volume 6, 24 October 1998 to 27 July 2002 Denis found taped in the clippings from the NZ Herald, dated 2 January 2001, the front page and an internal page telling the story of the loss of the RUAMANO.

In the TASMAN log, dated Tuesday 02-01-2001 while the launch was cruising the Mahurangi area a note was added to the log book that read “Newspaper from Warkworth reported loss of RUAMANO on fool hardy attempt to repeat 1925 circumnavigation of NZ (see clipping at end of log)” . The photos above are scans of the original NZ Herald press clippings ex the TASMAN log, given to Alan H at WW.

I encourage WW follower / readers to take the time to read the NZ Herald news stories and make your own decision on the sad event. As always you can enlarge the photos by clicking on them.

Masthead from the NZ Herald below (page too large for the scanner).

CLASSIC RUN-ABOUT MARE-EE-AN RELAUNCHED

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CLASSIC RUN-ABOUT MARE-EE-AN RELAUNCHED

Back in 2023 WW was contacted by Tim Munro regarding the classic 16’ run-about MARE-EE-AN, at the time Tim was trying to locate a copy of her original Carl Augustin plans to help with an upcoming restoration. Thanks to Cam Malcolm at The Slipway Milford we were able to track down a copy. Last week Tim contacted WW to update us on the project – Tim tells the story below:

 “The boat was in pretty good condition other than needing a new transom and the top windscreen being constructed as at some time it had been taken off and replaced with a curved perspex one. The plans WW found for us came in handy for this.  The boat was refurbished in 2023/24 and re-launched back into the Kaipara 60 years to the day after it first being launched.The two black and white photos are of her when she was in the Epiglass 40 regatta in late 60s. The photo with the 1970 Atlantic 100 sticker is it in this race.  (For the 100 miler race Bryan McLeod (Tim’s father) needed to have a number in the 100s, so he just stuck some black masking tape either side if the number 8 for the 40 miler to turn it to number 181.) The older photo of it in front of the house with Bryan and his daughter is with them holding the trophies from these races. (Economy Class). The remainder of the photos are on the day of the re-launch into the Kaipara River.”

Tim also commented that that his wife, Janette McLeod had written an article for a local Helensville newsletter as Bryan lived his whole life in the area. I have reprinted the article below. 

“Our Dad, Bryan McLeod, built Mare-ee-an in the woolshed at our farm in South Kaipara Head in 1964. Built out of marine ply to a Carl Augustin design my older siblings (I was only one year old at the time) would be commandeered after school to hold the ‘dolly’ under the upturned hull while Dad banged in the copper nails, bearing Dad’s stern words when the dolly was out of position.       My understanding is that Mare-ee-an’s name came from the song ‘All Day All Night Marianne’ (Dad’s spelling slant applied) as opposed to being named after the neighbour’s daughters Mary and Anne.

Mare-ee-an has been involved in many fun filled escapades over her 60 years including fishing, waterskiing, diving, gathering mussels, regattas, ‘Epiglass 40’ and ‘Atlantic 100’ races (winning the economy classes), overnighters and various explorations – the Northern Wairoa and Hoteo River being particularly memorable. A terrifying crossing of the Kaipara Heads also lingers in my mind when an extra large wave came her way giving no time for us to turn around. Thankfully Dad was a skilled enough boatman to ride her over it…scarily, looking back on the event, none of us were wearing lifejackets at the time.

Over time Dad had made various alterations such as replacing the windscreen with a more protective one and attaching alkathene – I assume left over from one of his farming jobs – around the bow as a protector, all the time keeping up with other necessary maintenance. A new motor was required when Mare-ee-an’s was stolen while moored overnight in the estuary at Mangawhai Heads. Roller doors were fitted – too late – to the garage under the house after a second motor was stolen from her.

During my teenage years in the 70s it came time for Mare-ee-an to have a repaint and I suggested to Dad that we change the colour to the more modern tone of the day, orange. Mare-ee-an remained this colour until we recently had her refurbished (by Brendon Driskel of Sea to Shore on East Coast Rd, Albany) and returned to her original turquoise, the windscreen made as close as possible to the original from what could be gleaned from various photos and the alkathene removed. It’s thanks to my husband Tim for encouraging the refurbishment rather than putting Mare-ee-an out to pasture even though it has used up my inheritance.

The varnished timber sections at the stern have remained. Dad loved the timber grain and could not bring himself to cover it all with paint so left this region as a feature.

It was so very special for Tim and I to relaunch Mare-ee-an 60 years to the day in the company of my brother and sister-in-law Graeme and Janet and our nephew Lee along with one of Dad’s favourite tipple – Velluto Rosso.

Mare-ee-an is ready for another 60 years of adventures! I know Dad would be pretty chuffed.”

THE SINKING OF THE WOODEN SCOW – KALAIA

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THE SINKING OF THE WOODEN SCOW – KALAIA

Todays woody images come to us from Owen Aspden and show the auxiliary scow – KALAIA, built in 1909 by boatbuilder Davy Darroch.

Owen included an excerpt from the Court of Enquiry Report into the vessels sinking in 1936.

“During the early hours of March 25 1936, the scow foundered near Castle Rock south of Mercury Bay. There was a heavy sea and the wind had reached gale force, two hand pumps were manned but the scow settled by the bow and at this point two Maori members of the crew were washed overboard and lost in the darkness.

An attempt was made to launch the dinghy but the propellers then half out of the water threatened to stove in the small craft but reassured by the calls of the two Maoris who were excellent swimmers, the crew stood by the dinghy until the  KALAIA was sinking beneath their feet.

The two Maoris were picked up and the five crew rowed through five miles of rough water and through the surf on to Hot Water Beach.”

Owen commented that back then this was just part of the job for these tough sailors.

28-04- 2025 INPUT ex STUART JOHNSTON re STANMORE BAY – As a young fellow and regular holiday and weekender to Stanmore Bay  Whangaparaoa, I have memories from early/ mid 1950’s of Scows grounding in the shallows at the eastern end of Stanmore Bay loaded with red chip road metal (from McCullams Island I think) destined for Hopper Bros. Hoppers trucks, some being ex WW2 were loaded by on board Dragline before departing up what is now Stanmore Bay Rd destined for road seal and or concrete footpaths and foundations.

Whence this procedure terminated, scows were motored up the Wade River to the then new landing stage to feed the growing needs of the area which included a ready mixed concrete plant and later concrete building blocks and other construction needs. This was probably very late 50’s early 60’s. Are there any historical photographic records on the beached scows as this activity was instrumental in the growth of Whangaparaoa?

LOOKING FOR THE CLASSIC WOOLLACOTT YACHT – FAIRLIGHT

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LOOKING FOR THE CLASSIC WOOLLACOTT YACHT – FAIRLIGHT

Late last year Chris Leech sent in a request re the Woollacott – Nada design yacht FAIRLIGHT. Sorry Chris this one fell between the deck cracks 🙂

At the time Chris supplied the above photo and commented that James Melling , son of Sam Melling who built the yacht at 37 Glen Road, Stanley Point, Devonport. Was looking for details on her where about.  James told Chris :-
“My father was in the crew of the original ‘Nada’ when she was wrecked on the Cow, and is mentioned in the article*. Here is a much copied photo of Fairlight being towed (dragged) down to the Devonport Yacht Club from Stanley Bay for her initial launching. My father  by the truck with cigarette, John Woollacott on the left, and my uncle on right. No wheels, cradle dragged behind “Yorkies” truck. James also said that Sam came back from the war after being a POW in Germany for 4 years after being captured in Crete, and built Fairlight beside the house. Bert Wollacott was a bit of a mentor to him Sam’s mother, Val, said.

” The *article mentioned above is on the yachtsman – Fred Norris and is from the book  ‘Devonport Yacht Club A Centennial History’ penned by Martin Foster. It is a great read so have included below – enjoy.

INPUT ex – IAN FRAME – Bruce Fallaver and i bought Fairlight in Wellington in 1980. We sailed regularly in RPNYC events and cruised extensively throughout the Marlborough Sounds and Tasman Bay. She always felt safe but never fast so we had our fair share of excitement slowly crossing Cook Strait. We had her cutter rigged with both staysil and yankee which worked well. The motor was a 10HP single cylinder Kubota diesel with a large flywheel and crank handle attached – very useful when the battery ran flat. Down wind we used a gennaker, before Team NZ discovered them in the 1990’s. We sold her in about 1986 to a guy from Christchurch and I last saw her moored at Redcliffs in the 1990’s. She was a great boat and much loved.

PICTON AND CLASSIC BOAT CLUB 

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PICTON AND CLASSIC BOAT CLUB 

One of the highlights each month is getting a copy of ‘DEADWOOD’ the newsletter the Picton Clinker & Classic Boat Club, in my email inbox. Its edited / pulled together by Roysie, sorry I do not know the surname. Each issue is a reminder to me that classic wooden boating isn’t all about launch and yachts kept on marinas. There is as much or probably more fun messing around in small clinker craft. 
In the latest issue Roysie reports on the clubs recent ‘Ngakuta Run’ on Saturday 15th. February .  I’ll let Roysie tell the story – 

“The day dawned fine & clear with light winds and nine boats arrived at the Ngakuta ramp including Ruru recently repaired by Dick. Unfortunately she stopped again on the trip and had to accept a tow from Riff Raff, Roy’s new boat, but came right and finished the run under her own steam.

It was a good turnout with 17 members on the water in 9 boats. The fleet motored from Ngakuta across the Sound to Umugnata Bay and along the northern shore to Bottle Bay, Houhou Point then back across to Iwirua Point and westward in and out of the bays back to Ngakuta.

The boats were retrieved and the barbecue set up in the shade of an oak tree. The weather was glorious and the setting perfect, we needed that shade from the sun which we’ve not really seen enough of this summer. Several club members arrived for the sausage sizzle and a very pleasant social occasion was enjoyed by all. “

LAKE ROTOITI 2025 CLASSIC & WOODEN BOAT PARADE – PART #2 THE PICNIC

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LAKE ROTOITI 2025 CLASSIC & WOODEN BOAT PARADE – PART #2 THE PICNIC

Today again thanks to Scott Johnson we experience the post Parade picnic at Wairau Bay. Where after the formalities of the Parade, the skippers and crew get to relaxed and have a waterside party. 

The venue being a lake (no tide) means that the craft can all nudge into the bank and everyone gets to meet, chat and swap boating stories.

Enjoy the gallery of photos – if you missed Mondays story where we featured the Parade – link here https://waitematawoodys.com/2025/02/24/lake-rotoiti-2025-classic-wooden-boat-parade-part-1-the-parade/

LAKE ROTOITI 2025 CLASSIC & WOODEN BOAT PARADE – PART #1 THE PARADE

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LAKE ROTOITI 2025 CLASSIC & WOODEN BOAT PARADE – PART #1 THE PARADE

Today thanks to Scott Johnson we get a look at the 2025 Lake Rotoiti Classic & Wooden Boat Parade — stunning, weather and photos that matched the wooden craft.

The day began with the traditional three cannon blasts, signaling the start of a flotilla of 80 classic and wooden boats gliding across the lake – lead out by Teheka Whaka.

Spectators gathered along the Okere arm shore, enjoying a live commentary from the commodore, who shared insights into the history and craftsmanship of these beautiful vessels. The weather was perfect, making for a truly memorable day on the water.

The parade concluded with a picnic and games at Wairau Bay, where the skippers and crew relaxed and celebrated another fantastic year of this cherished tradition.

Enjoy the gallery of photos & remember – click on photos to enlarge ;-)- On Wednesday we will have part two – the lake side picnic.