Category Archives: Sailing Sunday

Swiftsure – Restoration Project In-Waiting

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Swiftsure – Restoration Project In-Waiting  

I was recently contacted by Harold Kidd in regard to Swiftsure the 1921 centreboarder that needs major restoration and to the right person –  is free for collection.

Harold supplied some history on the yacht below.

SWIFTSURE was built by George McLean of Birkenhead in 1920 a bit under 16ft and a bit over 14ft (about 4 inches) because of the available lengths of timber.

Her first race appears to have been in November 1921 with the Ponsonby Cruising Club in their “14ft handicap class” i.e. not square-bilge and not Jellicoe Class 14s, owned by G. McLean. She was on scratch which indicates a first race. She raced consistently much of her life. She was registered with the 14ft T Class when the AYMBA introduced its alpha-numeric system in 1922. She was allotted T38.

By the 1923 Anniversary Regatta her oversize had apparently been picked up and she was moved to the 16ft S Class as S62. She was then owned by George’s nephew Ted Fitzgerald. After a protest she had the offending bit sawn off her stern and was reregistered as T6 in 1934. Later he put the 4 inches back on and she raced with the 16 footers as S62.

After he retired her from racing as an open boat post WW2 Ted built on a raised foredeck and a bigger cuddy.He took her on an annual cruise to Great Barrier with his two little girls. Amazing!

Swiftsure is now stored under cover at Beachhaven and stabilized but needs a total restoration. The above photo shows her racing as an S Class. Harold commented that it was hard to photograph her under her current shelter (see below bottom). The 1st group of photos below were taken some years ago before she deteriorated but give a good idea of her final, “cruising” configuration under Ted Fitzgerald’s ownership.

Interested parties can contact Harold via WW  or Grant Firth at gfirth1955@gmail.com

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Bay of Islands Tall Ships – Sailing Sunday

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Bay of Islands Tall Ships – Sailing Sunday

The above photos ex Dean Wright were taken during the 2012 Bay of Islands Tall Ships Race & show Spray sailing in a rather big swell. Love the rigging only one, Dean is a professional photographer & his talent shows in these photos.

On a sadder note, below is a selection of photos that Dean took during the same race, that show the magnificent American yacht – Nina, that was later to disappear in the Tasman on route to Australia without a trace.

Below is a link to Stuff website, that has a tragic story on the 19-year-old American teenager – Danielle Wright who was crewing on Nina when the yacht varnished.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/69870474/The-mystery-of-the-missing-Nina

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Shanty

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SHANTY – Sailing Sunday

Shanty was built by Jim Cottier on Motuarohia (Roberton) Island pretty recently (in the last 10 years). Jim has been the caretaker there for a long time, as far back as 1980.

The above photos of Shanty sailing off the Purerua Peninsula in Nov 2016, are from Dean Wright, who commented that he thinks that Jim used to own the beautiful double ender Skagen that featured last week on WW. Dean remembers her living on a mooring out there.

Click on this link to view a short video on Jim, he’s a bit of a master mariner / living sailing legend

https://vimeo.com/206205345

Well known on the waterfront as a skipper of square riggers, including the Breeze (which he took to Mururoa with the N-test protest fleet) and more recently the Soren Larsen.

Jim has even penned a book ‘Soren Larsen: Homeward Round The Horn’     https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/author/captain-jim-cottier/

 

Whilst only a baby in terms of age, Shanty would  sit proud at anchor in any bay

 

Old & & Even Older

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Old & & Even Older

Great photo above of the 1929, Riley 9 twin cam that Baden Pascoe recently finished restoring. The Riley is parked in front of Aumoe, the 1913 Tom Le Huguet built classic launch owned by Andrew Pollard.

Streaming Planks

The above link to the very cool youtube clip on steaming Huon Pine planks onto Ian Smith’s (new build) 24’ Ranger class gaff rigged sloop, was sent to me by Robin Elliott

 

Looking for Scorpio – Sail # 1025

I was recently contacted by John McIntosh who is endeavoring to locate the current owner of ‘Scorpio’, a Californian Bear design about 23’ loa.  Built in Milford about the 1950s by a professional boat builder (Gladden?) I’ll let John tell the story – read below.

The story is that she was built for Rush Clark snr who was the Auckland Pan Am representative, and as a young boy I went out for a picnic sail on her.  I was calibrating new Raymarine instruments on Monday 30th Oct. on my boat, when I noticed a small keeler doing leads off Princess wharf.  Later we past close by her transom and I noticed the word Scorpio carved on her stern.  I immediately looked up at the mainsail and noticed a black bear on all four paws was near the peak, together with the registration number 1025.  Because we were out “on business” I couldn’t go back and check on anything.  Needless to say she was much smaller than I recalled.

When I got home I checked my old 1977 NZYF register, and the name and number were in there, but no owner.  I got in touch with a friend who remained in touch with Rush Clark jnr in Atlanta Georgia. What must have amounted to reply the same day, I got an enthusiastic reply from Rush jnr, telling me “Scorpio” was only 23’ long and had been built in Milford.  He went on to say that it was a testament to NZ Kauri and the skill of Kiwi boat builders that “Scorpio” was still sailing. 

Rush is intending to come out to NZ early in the New Year and says he would love to see her again and would I please do my best to track “Scorpio” down.

I have rung all the marinas, most recognised yacht clubs, & Yachting New Zealand, but none could help me.  The Harbour Master’s office promised to ring back, but haven’t done so.  I have been to Gladden’s workshop, but John has been gone for decades, and workmen having a beer after work suggested that I contact your site.  

There is a nice story about the name “Scorpio”.  Rush snr and his wife Anne were captured by the Japs in the Philippines and in the prison camp they would look at the stars and think that somewhere in the world people were still free and one day, if they survived, they would also be free.

My father occasionally raced on “Scorpio” with the Squadron and said it was the slowest boat in the fleet.  Sometimes when they crossed the finish line at Orakei wharf, they could see that the tower was all closed up and the race management had gone home.

 

So woodys hopefully we can locate the where abouts of Scorpio for John.

Once again WW delivers

Just received an email from Neil Chalmers, with the below photo of Scorpio. Neil was sent the photo by Dan Ranall back in June 2016. Dan had been mooching around Okahu Bay & snapped the photo, then sent it to Neil to see if Neil could ID the yacht. Boom connection made 🙂

Neil commented that he thought there was another Bear Class in Auckland (sail #577), called Little Bear. Anyone able to confirm?

Scorpio

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Merlin – Sailing Sunday

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MERLIN – Sailing Sunday

I recently received a note from Andrew Hewitt from Ashburton, concerning his 22’ yacht Merlin. Andrew became custodian of her three years ago, when she was put up for sale by a broker on behalf of her former owner’s widow (Peter Beaven, a notable Christchurch architect and heritage advocate).

Peter had had her hull restored professionally in Christchurch some time previously, but the earthquakes and his ultimate death intervened. Andrew completed the job, rigged her and commissioned a trailer for her locally. So she’s now, home from the sea in her retirement – converted for use as a ‘trailer-sailor’ and lives protected from the elements in a boat shed at Lake Hood (just east of Ashburton) – where Andrew sails her when time allows.

Andrew commented that Harold Kidd kindly supplied a little history on her and Les McBean (Dunedin) also did a quite an extensive one (link here Les McBean Merlin), but unfortunately they contradict each other J According to Les, it seems she dates from around 1902 by Mr Derwent Aitcheson of Waikouaiti, where she was originally a fishing boat fitted with an engine. She appears to have been based there and Moeraki, moving about in the general Otago area. At some time mid-century she was converted to a yacht, and was well known in Otago Harbour for some decades, prior to becoming derelict and ultimate salvation by Peter Beaven.

The registration number seems original (V9) – it is on an old cotton sail that came with her.

Like all woodys, Merlin’s restoration is an ongoing thing….. the photos above ange from the fitting out/rigging stage at Andrew’s home to an early pic of Andrew under sail at Lake Hood.

Andrew is keen to discover more on Merlin past, to date he has made one or two connections through the Canterbury Classic Boat meets and tried both the Port Chalmers Maritime Museum and the two yacht clubs down there for info, but nothing forthcoming. The Museum at Waikouaiti knew of the builder, but didn’t supply any info when requested.

2017 Centreboard Cup – Herne Bay Yacht Club – Sat 9th Dec – Sloanes Beach, Herne Bay

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Pencil midday on Saturday the 9th of December into the diary, the Herne Bay Crusing Club are hosting their legendary Centreboard Cup Regatta. Its one of the coolest sailing events in town & the venue is rather special.

Details here   http://hbcc.net.nz/centreboardcup2017/

And check out my photos from a previous regatta. https://waitematawoodys.com/2015/12/20/whats-the-coolest-yacht-club-10-minutes-from-queen-st/

Anyone Looking For a Wooden Mast?

The Herne Bay Cruising Club have a 31’6″ laminated, hollow wooden mast that needs a home, the price will be very attractive if its for a classic yacht, if you want it as a flag pole expect to pay more 🙂 email Andrew Mason at    a.mason@auckland.ac.nz

 

 

Pirate – Sailing Sunday

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Pirate being built at Little Barrier Is.

Under construction c.1903 at Little Barrier Island

Launch day March 1903
Pirate Port Fitzroy GBI

Port Fitzroy GBI – May 1903

Pirate in cave

Big cave – NE Coast – April 1904

 

Ilex & Pirate Port Fitzroy

Ilex & Pirate at anchor – Port Fitzroy GBI – May 1903

Pirate Ashore

June 27 1907

Pirate wrecked again

 

Pirate wrecked & final resting place

Final resting place

PIRATE – Sailing Sunday

Pirate was built by Robert H. Shakespear in a shed alongside his house on Little Barrier Island c1903.

Shakespear was a talented boat builder & worked for the Logan Bros and was involved in Ilex (seen in the above photos) and built Frances at Logans’ yard as a close twin to Victory.

He also had the Logan built clinker keeler Pandora to service his little farm on Little Barrier where he was custodian for a while.

Sadly, Little Barrier was not a friendly home to Pirate & she was ‘wrecked’ twice, the first time during a hard SW gale in June 1907, she was repaired but the second in July 1908 was fatal & she was winched ashore & put to rest under the tress on the Island.

(Photo credits & details – J Russell via the Hocken Collection, University of Otago, Nathan Herbert & Harold Kidd)

The 1895 C&W Bailey Yacht IDA For Sale

Ida resides in Australia these days & her owners have advised that they are interested to hear from anyone that would consider purchasing her (& hopefully repatriating her home).

Harold Kidd has commented on WW that IDA was built by C. & W. Bailey for the Jagger brothers and Frater and launched on 21 December 1895. She was a contemporary and competitor to the other 5 rater of that season, the Logan Bros’ MOANA. You can also view/read an excellent article on Ida by Harold in the November issue of Boating NZ (pages 148>151), on sale now.

Interested parties can contact Catherine Shirley  cathshirley@gmail.com

You can read more about Ida here.

https://waitematawoodys.com/2016/05/15/ida-sailing-sunday-more/

UPDATE: Photos below ex Harold Kidd of IDA hauled out at Noakes yard in Sydney last week.

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Lyttleton Basket Case ( Kia Ora) + Yum Yum

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Lyttleton Basket Case – Kia Ora

On Nathan Herbert’s recent trip south, he spotted the above ‘yacht’ in Lyttleton. From her stern, it would appear she was named Kiaor or Kiaok – the last letter is part missing. Anyone able to tell us about her past?

 

What Happened To Yum Yum?

Woody Daniel Renall contacted me to say he had been fortunate to visit Neil Beken at his boat building spot in Beach Haven. Neil gave Dan a bunch of plans he had acquired for Dan’s yacht, Jonquil.

While there he showed Dan a picture of a yacht he restored in the 1990’s called Yum Yum, very similar to Gloriana. It was owned by someone in Wellington and was trucked up for a couple of classic races in Auckland.

Neil mentioned that Yum Yum had vanished and nobody had been able to track her down.

So woodys – can anyone shed some light on Yum Yum’s whereabouts & have a photo?

Harold Kidd Update – KIA ORA was designed by Prof R.J. Scott of the Engineering School at Canterbury and built for himself by Jack Collins of Lyttelton in November 1898 as a 5 rater cutter to replace an earlier 2 rater KIA ORA Collins owned. She was in the BRITANNIA/MOANA mould with a spoon bow. She was racing, later under a yawl rig, until the 1960s.
Very historic Lyttelton yacht in the same category as PASTIME.
YUM YUM and her Herreshoff inspiration is discussed in passing in my article on IDA in the November Boating NZ (plug)..

Arohia – A Peek Down Below

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AROHIA – A Peek Down Below

Given that in the first photo above the A-class keeler, Arohia is flying a Logan flag I assume that she is a Logan design, odd that her owner would leave that out of her 4sale listing……….. We do know that she was built in 1949 by Colin Wild for John Seabrook. The timber was supplied by Gordon Pollard on the proviso that he would get first option to buy if ever it was sold. As a result the best NZ kauri was used, hand picked by Gordon Pollard. Full length (47′) planking, triple skin kauri.

Arohia has an impressive racing history both local & off-shore & is now for sale by her owner of 34 years.

(sorry for the photo quality – that is all there was & wont be helping the sales process)

A Little Classic Sailing Porn
The video below is from the recent Vela Classic Menorca-Mahon Regatta – its 15mins of stunning classics & race footage.

 

Haerere – Sailing Sunday

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Haerere

HAERERE – Sailing Sunday

Todays post has a long tale, its been bouncing around the classic wooden community & ended up in my inbox.

The photo is of the yacht Haerere that was once owned by Roger Welch’s late father – Henry Welch. Henry owned Harrere, a 32’ cutter that he believes was built by J. Lidgard at Bayswater in the 1930’s. Henry told Roger that she was built for an enthusiast for ocean cruising but the guy did not get very far. Roger remembers there were pegs to set the tiller so she would self-steer.

In the late 1950’s Henry sold her to a couple that cherished her for many years.

Roger is keen to discover what happened to Haerere, so woodys – can we help?

Harold Kidd Input

Fred Lidgard built HAERERE in late 1934 at Bayswater for Gordon Kells of Takapuna when he grew out of the 22 footer MARIE. Gordon sold her to H Kasper.
I sailed with Gordon and his son Bill in TEMPTRESS when I was at school in the early1950s but don’t recall any story about building HAERERE for offshore work. However, Gordon did have a lot to do with the Emtages of Motuora and the Lidgards all his life and was in that circle of Depression-era offshore yachties who were typified by Johnny Wray and Dick Wellington.

Russell Ward Input

Haerere was indeed Lidgard built -though without that doghouse (which isn’t bad).
I first met her at anchor in the lee of Takangaroa Island (I’m sure we called it Goat Is) in Kawau Bay early ’60s. In the ownership of Trevor (Charlie) and Deslea Conway of Remuera -a delightful couple -she was very forthright and called him “Good Time Charlie”. They were round the corner and we couldn’t see her at anchor this time, but this man came swimming past us and came back sometime later with a sizeable mullet in tow. He ventured that he had herded it inshore and just grabbed it. We bet that he found it in a rock pool.
Trevor kept Haerere very well -out every winter. Flap Martinengo told him if he sanded the mast much more there’d be no wood left. I see that she has an alloy mast now. He had been an active sailor in Auckland circles but he never sailed Haerere -I flatted with their nephew in Dunedin and we often laughed about his activities. David Jackson will know I am sure.
Most summer weekends, they’d just motor down to Drunken Bay and tuck up round the corner -we called him the Harbourmaster. All these characters -long gone.
She’s in the creek at Whangateau awaiting Pam’s pleasure

How that’s just showing off 🙂

I went yesterday to the first of the New Zealand Traditional Boatbuilding School’s workshops, Saturday’s topic was Boat Maintenance & a very talented & knowledgeable group of speakers presented to the class of 25, lots of Q&A time which I think was the primary reason a lot attended.

There will be regular workshops on a range of topics so please do support the school. More details here www.nztbs.org.nz

The photo below shows one of the speakers Frank Warnock demonstrating his splicing skills (behind his back !!!)

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ALPHA A90 ( Arrow Class) – Sailing Sunday

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ALPHA A90 ( Arrow Class) – Sailing Sunday
I have been contacted by Adam Akehurst who is Interested in what us woodys knows about the Arrow class sailing dinghy. Adam is currently restoring A90 – Alpha. Progress photos attached. Wood working done, interior nearly done, soon time to turn it over and sort the outside ready for summer.

All Adam can find on the class is that they are a Jack Logan design from circa 1950 and that until recently the class seems to have been based at Glendowie but interest seems to have died out a few years ago in favour of the Mistral. Also interested in what else Jack Logan designed. I have heard he had a boatshed at Mangawhai at some stage.

The historic photo of Alpha above on the beach (date unknown) shows her rigged for a gennaker on a fairly long prod. Adam assumes this is a later class development and that they originally flew a symmetrical kite.

Adam hasn’t been able to find many photos of the class online, so is interested in seeing anything ww have.

07-08-2017 Update from Adam. Project finished – see below. Stunning

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Check The Video Link Below Out – If you thought the commute to work was bad, these guys are mad 🙂