Category Archives: Spirit of Tradition

IS ANYONE BUILDING REAL WOODEN BOATS IN NEW ZEALAND

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IS ANYONE BUILDING REAL WOODEN BOATS IN NEW ZEALAND

I’m a big fan of The Wooden Boatshop in Sorrento, Melbourne, Australia.Tim Phillips OAM and his team turn out the most amazing craft – both traditional and spirit of tradition.If you haven’t already checked out their website, do it now. Every post is classic boat porn. Link below + sign up for their e-newsletter and follow on fbook.https://woodenboatshop.com.au

Back to todays headline – I hope I’m wrong but is anyone (professionally) working to this standard? We kill Australia when it comes to the size of your classic movement both in terms of numbers and boats on the water, but sadly we have a very small number of artisans doing mainly restorations and repairs.

Today on WW we showcase the recent (late 2024) launching of – BETTY , a Couta boat built by The Wooden Boatshop.Read more on Couta boats and TWBS at this link  https://woodenboatshop.com.au/Couta-Boat

Tim Phillips is even a fan of WW (photo below es 2023 AWBF) – or maybe he just needed a clean, dry shirt after crossing the Bass Straight on his 1925 built ex workboat – STORM BAY
Check out the 10 year conversion / restoration here https://woodenboatshop.com.au/Storm-Bay

I KNOW ITS NOT WOOD – BUT IT CERTAINLY LOOKS THE PART

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I KNOW ITS NOT WOOD – BUT IT CERTAINLY LOOKS THE PART

Last week we ran a story on the Okura Gig clinker dinghy that the owner of the the Logan launch NGAIO had just restored and ‘fitted’ to the launches stern.

Todays story is in response to the number of emails I received asking for more details on the dinghy, and in the fact I got tired of sending responses.

Back in 2016 we ran an extensive story on the Okra Gig craft, which included an extensive back school on how them came to be. Link below https://waitematawoodys.com/2016/02/28/okura-gigs-sailing-sunday/

MAHURANGI DOCKSIDE MOOCHING + MAHURANGI REGATTA

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MAHURANGI DOCKSIDE MOOCHING + MAHURANGI REGATTA

Just prior to the xmas break I had cause to visit Warkworth, ok I’ll tell the truth – I was buying a pie on route to Sandspit marina 🙂

Rather than fill the car with crumbs, I went for a stroll down to the riverfront dockside. As always there was a very salty looking collection of craft tied up. 

Most of the craft will be attending the 2025 Mahurangi Cruising Club Regatta later this month (Jan 25th) – the biggest gathering of classic craft afloat in New Zealand, refer flyer below.

The scow – RIPPLE is a seriously good-looking craft – read more on her at the link below. https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/09/04/the-sailing-scow-ripple-can-we-learn-more-about-her/

Todays story is a shameless plug for the MCC regatta and other activities in Kawau Bay over anniversary weekend.

CLASSIC WOODEN BOAT TRIP REPORT #3

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WAIREKA
VOLANTIS
TAPUI
SEA BEE
ORARI II
CAVALAIRE
RAMPAGE
CLEONA MAE
RANONI
VOYAGEUR
NGARUNUI
STELLA MARIS
STEADFAST

CLASSIC WOOYS LAUNCH TRIP REPORT #3

Todays report comes to us from the camera of Bay of Islands photographer – Dean Wright. Dean snapped this gallery of craft over the xmas period in and around the bay.

Some familiar faces here and a few newbies – Dean commented that “Just when you think you’ve seen it all, along comes a Maritimo with a XOS six person island pool float. Every wooden boat should have one or two… Yee gods what next” – photo below
Enjoy the stunning photos – As always – click on photos to enlarge 😉

What you buy when you can’t quite afford a beachfront bach at Omaha

The video below showing LADY ADELAIDE leaving Bon Accord Harbour, Kawau Island gives you a look at some of the weather closer to Auckland. Sent in by Andrew Sunde.

LADY ADELAIDE

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH TRIP REPORT #2

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MANUIA

05-01-25 INPUT ex PAUL DRAKE – In support of the pic of MANUIA above, here she is below in the 1970’s? with original dodger. No doubt the higher dodger improves the liveability of these old timers (ALBERTA – LADY ADEAIDE etc) but it does not enhance their looks. Sometimes I wonder if lowering the cockpit sole could be an option if more headroom is required.There is nothing quite like a straight stem flush decker!

MARISE
REHIA

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH TRIP REPORT #2

Today we get to visit a few of the bays and check out the lucky woodys that have managed to escape the marina. The first photo comes to us from Simon McMullen and we see MANUIA at anchor at Ponui, the unmarked bay next one around from Chamberlains. I love the sheep on the beach, Simon commented that there were three donkeys also roaming the beach at times.

The second photo shows Sarah and Peter Wren’s Salthouse 37 – MARISE at anchor at Man 0 War, Waiheke Island.
Peter also supplied the gallery of photos of Amanda and Joe Telford’s Colin Wild launch – REHIA. 

CLASSIC LAUNCH FLASH BACK – AMANDA LEE

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CLASSIC LAUNCH FLASH BACK – AMANDA LEE

WW was recently contacted by GlenIs O’Callaghan concerning a November WW story on the 30′ launch – AMANDA LEE, link below. AMANDA LEE was built in 1978 at Greg Lees yard at Sandspit. https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/11/04/wooden-launch-amanda-lee-a-peek-down-below/

Glenis and her late husband, Terry (Red) purchased the launch in the late 1980’s and sold it in mid 1990’s.  At the time they resided in Whangarei and had it on a berth at the Tutukaka Marina. In the above photos we see the launch as it was when the O’Callaghan’s first bought it and the other after the flying bridge was added to it.  The top over the back was also cut back as Terry enjoyed deep sea fishing which made it easier and it also gave them access to the flying bridge. They also had the steering added up top on the flying bridge.

Glenis commented it was Terry’s pride and joy and he spent many  hours keeping the varnish spick and span. They had many happy holidays on it with our 2 sons.
In discussions with an old work colleague of Terry’s, Glenis learnt that AMANDA LEE had been at the Marsden Cove Marina for the past 4 or 5 years and has recently been sold and moved down to Auckland. 

Photo below from the November WW story – my lips are sealed…………

2025 AUSTRALIAN WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL – The Perfect Xmas Present

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2025 AUSTRALIAN WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL – The Perfect Xmas Present

Starting to get a little excited about heading over the ditch in early 2025 (Feb7>10th) for the 2025 AWBF. Have confirmed by support crew, booked flights and accommodation = so its locked and loaded.  NZ is getting its day in the sun this festival with a focus on the pacific region. But 95% of the show content will be beautiful varnished wooden craft, which WW will be reporting on.

If you’re at a loose end in early Feb and have a few pennies to spare – consider treating yourself this Christmas and get over to Hobart. Air NZ fly direct these days, and I can assure you as a woody lover you won’t regret it.
Link here to the offical 2025 Festival https://www.australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au

DANCER – 30’ STEAM LAUNCH 

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DANCER – 30’ STEAM LAUNCH 

Todays wooden is the 30’ steam powered launch – DANCER, designed by Peter Sewell and built by owner John Olsen. DANCER is strip planked cedar (+ f/glass) and has a beam of 6’ and draws 2’6”.

The short video of DANCER on the Waikato River was filmed (drone) by Wesley Harcourt. The steam engine is diesel powered – more details in the video narrative.

DANCER is a frequent visitor to the Lake Rotoiti Classic & Wooden Boat Parade and appearance in a lot of my post event coverage on WW.

Back in Feb 2021 DANCER appeared on WW – link below https://waitematawoodys.com/2021/02/20/ss-dancer/

One of John’s many talents is making traditional rope fenders. John very kindly made a pair for my launch RAINDANCE – see below. + link to how to make the fenders https://waitematawoodys.com/2021/05/01/classic-rope-fenders-how-to/

CAN ANYONE HELP OUT WITH A WOODY STORAGE PROBLEM 

Paul Hinton is considering acquiring a 1903 W.H.B. ex pilot boat that is currently hauled out in Diary Flat – she appeared on WW – link here https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/05/31/mystery-1902-pilot-boat/

The problem is Paul is currently finishing another project and needs to temporally ‘park’ the pilot boat for >6 mths. 

Paul can be contacted at pm.hinton@gmail.com

A tip sign an agreement re max time frame, and state that if exceeded Paul will be responsible for any removal / disposal costs 😉

WAIWHARE – MAYBE A WOODY, MAYBE A TUPPERWARE – BUT STILL A CLASSIC 

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WAIWHARE – MAYBE A WOODY, MAYBE A TUPPERWARE – BUT STILL A CLASSIC 

Yesterday was another journey on the ‘Holiday Highway’ to Sandspit, spotted a classic craft on the marina that caught my eye – wasn’t sure if its a woody of plastic, or a combination of both.

These ‘Grand Banks’ designs offers lot of boat for the money. A friend once owned one and he always impressed visitors by asking if they would like a bath – technically more a shubb but it was a good break the ice line.

Todays craft is named WAIWHARE, my pigeon Maori tells me the name probably translate to Water House, which is probably a very appropriate name.

WAIWHARE is presented in very good condition – we like that, when an owners cares for their pride and joy.

Can we confirm the vessels breeding and build.

INPUT ex Brian Fulton – “I thought WAIWHARE meant WHY WORRY” 🙂

INPUT ex NIXON FRYER – she’s my grandads launch, Dennis Craig, Ex owner of the 28ft Couldrey Pirimanu. Waiwhare is a 34ft CHB built in Taiwan to the design of a grand banks. Power is by a 120hp Leemans Ford. And yes she is fibreglass hull and topsides but absolutely covered in teak inside and out. Next time aboard I can get some photos for a peak down below.

MAKE LIFE EASY FOR YOUR KINSFOLK THIS XMAS – Tell them to buy you a copy of the 2025 Mahurangi Cruising Club Year Book. Always value for money and choker full of great tales and amazing photos of our classic wooden craft. It will be in store next week at the retailers shown below – $20 well spent. Edited / crafted by design guru Steve Horsley, who has promised me that they is a fair division of yacht / motorboat photos. I know there is a least one launch article – I wrote it 😉

CLASSIC WOODEN BOAT IONA II MAKES A SPLASH – NZ Restoration Of The Year

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CLASSIC WOODEN BOAT IONA II MAKES A SPLASH – NZ Restoration Of The Year

We have been following (link below) the refit the classic wooden launch IONA II at the Slipway Milford yard since late May. Last week she slipped back into the water , check out the video below – don’t you love a railway haul-out, such a gentle procedure.

IONA II was built in 1994 to a Bruce Askew design so sits very comfortably into the spirit of tradition category. The recent work commissioned by her owner has magnified her existing appealing looks and made her even more easy on the eye.

Probably the finest example of the Slipway Milfords work – so a big shout out to Cam, Jason, Jan and team. Easily the restoration of the year in New Zealand.

I’m pretty sure nothing on the boat has escaped an upgrade or replacement – the biggest being ditching the Nissan TD23 60hp diesel engine and installing an electric propulsion set-up.

A few finishing touches to be completed at the marina – we will do another update when completed.

As always click images to enlarge.

IONA II – RESTORATION STORY  https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/05/28/iona-ii-gets-a-birthday/