Category Archives: Sub 28′

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – ESME

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – ESME

A recent email from Rosemary Wakeman is what WW is all about – connecting the dots. I have reproduced the email below (slight edit)

“Doing a major tidy-up of old family photos – that I presume my kids will  throw out upon my demise.

I have  photos (and letters ) of ESME, a launch my late Uncle Ernie Sisson owned ( part owned ? )  in the 1930’s.   She was moored in Tauranga ( on a swing mooring I guess) I presume he sold her before he went to war in late December 1940.  I think he managed the grocery store Self Help in Tauranga.  He was killed in 1943, navigator on a Lancaster Bomber shot down over Germany 08-11-1943.

Two thoughts ..  was Esme still afloat? – and would any museum or collector like the photos  and letters mentioning her? “

The name ESME has appeared numerous times on WW but todays launch at 22’ is too small for the others . Also keen to learn that engine was in her, based on the back of the post card – the claim of 12-13 knots is impressive.

So woodys can we help Rosemary out.

INPUT EX HAROLD KIDD

Esme was owned by A. Hunter in 1930 but she’s a lot older than that. My pick is about 1904/5 with that rakish bow and “torpedo stern”. Ernie Sisson owned her in October 1939 when he modified her cabin top. He did a very good job as you can see. I have a photo of her on Charlie Millett’s slip at the same time as the bottom photo above. Some of the old Tauranga hands should have more information on her?

MYSTERY CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH QUIZ + WW PRIZE ON OFFER – ROYANA

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MYSTERY CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH QUIZ + WW PRIZE ON OFFER – ROYANA

WW was sent the above photo yesterday with the challenge of can anyone name the designer + builder + launching year.

Its a seriously good looking woody  – a couple of tips – its 24’ in length and is an Auckland boat. We know the name but that would make it too easy 🙂

First woody to get all three answers correct WINS a WW burgee – NOTE: enter only via email to waitematawoodys@gmail.com

The launch is named – ROYANA, designed and built by Woollacott in 1949. Powered by a Yanmar 3JH. Kept at Stillwater, Auckland.

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.

CLASSIC Ex WORKBOAT – MYSTERY GIRL 

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CLASSIC Ex WORKBOAT – MYSTERY GIRL 

The 20’ c.100 yrs old ex workboat – MYSTERY GIRL last popped up on WW back in 2015, link below, since then she has had a wheelhouse added and is now back on the market. Thanks Ian McDonald for the tme heads up. Lots of intel and chat here – check out the comments section https://waitematawoodys.com/2015/06/06/mystery-girl/

You have to love the sellers comments, so upfront and honest, “ window framing in topside has rot and falling apart, needs attention. Old 4 cylinder Ford diesel is not running. Unknown hours and details” 🙂

With some TLC she has the makings of a cool little woody.

2025 AUSTRALIAN WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL – DAY 6

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DAY SIX – BULLETIN – TUES 11TH

On the big silver bird today heading back to Auckland. Today we have a glimpse at a rather fine speed boat – MISS JAMAR that caught both my self and Angus Rogers eye.

Powered by a 383 ci Chev V8.

2025 AUSTRALIAN WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL – Day 3

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DAY THREE – BULLETIN – Saturday 8th

The first gallery of photos above were taken early evening yesterday, taking advantage of the best light.

Today was overcast all day and a tad cold. A little bit of sightseeing and dining then the ‘Dinghies After Dark’ function at the City Hall. Lots of Kiwis in attendance which is always nice.

It was also time to move on from the fish diet – Beef Cheek Wellington and discovered a new ginger beer ✔️

Also woke up very early and meet a visitor on the lawn, could have been worse eg a snake.

2025 AUSTRALIAN WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL- Day 2

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OFFICIAL OPEN DAY

DAY TWO – BULLETIN – Friday 7th 

OFFICIAL OPENING DAY

Today was when the waterfront comes alive, yesterday you could have fired a shotgun and not hit anyone but overnight and thru out the day the classic wooden craft kept pouring into the surrounding areas.

The highlight of day one is the ‘Parade of Sail’ that sees 11 Tall Sailing Ships and over 200 craft sail up the Derwent River and into Sullivan Cove to mark the start of the festival. At the 2023 festival I was aboard the 110’ brigantine – WESTWARD BOUND, this year I choose the very fast and stable media boat. A perfect platform to capture the event.

Today woodys I post a snapshot of the day and share our culinary highlights- the seafood is next level in Tasmania.

Scallops On A Stick
Seafood Pasta

2025 AUSTRALIAN WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL- Day 1

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DAY ONE – BULLETIN – Thursday 6th

Hello woodys

I’m now in wooden boat heaven – attending the 2025 Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Arrived yesterday mid morning and to use that wonderful Aussie saying – ‘ I’m as happy as a dog with two tails. I attended the 2023 festival and quickly became hooked – search Australian Wooden Boat Festival in the WW search box to view that trip.

I’m adopting a different reporting style this festival – rather than doing massive photo posts each day – there will be some narrative on what we have been up to and some BOATS of THE DAY photos, then at the end of the trip there will be one big story. Why you may ask – well last trip I spent 1/2 my time bent over my laptop editing photos and loading up via very average hotel internet services.

This year I will be trying to enjoy the occasion more and meet more woodys and visit their craft dockside.

Each year the festival has a theme – The 2025 festival celebrates Australia’s deep maritime connections across the Tasman Sea, featuring the debut of Te Karangatahi, the Māori waka taua, and a lineup of NZ vessels including NGATAKI, LADY GAY and TE RAPUNGA. There will be talks, open to the public, on the restoration of NGATAKI and the saving of the DEEMING. These vessels are well known to the followers of WW, so the cameras will be mainly focusing on the hundreds of stunning Australian wooden craft that make up the festival – so I apologise in advance to the connections of these Kiwi boats. 🙂

Lots of activity down at the waterfront as all the festival crew are setting up.

Tomorrow I’m out on the water for the event that marks the start of the festival – the Sail In’ – it’s very spectacular.

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – CAN IT BE SAVED OR A BEEHIVE RESTORATION

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – CAN IT BE SAVED OR A BEEHIVE RESTORATION

Todays 22’ classic woody photos come to us from a tme listing, thanks Ian McDonald for the heads up. 

I know if its wood a rebuild is always doable but there is always the maths to be done eg cost v’s what its worth restored. 

Even though the asking price is $1, unless someone with deep pockets and a past connection to a vessel – sadly these craft end up as a Beehive restoration , if you aren’t familiar with the term, scroll down.

Looking at the photos the potentially most valuable items – the portholes – have been removed, combine this the the boats location  – Blenheim, Marlborough. Things do not look too rosy.

So woodys can we put a name to the boat so that we at least give her a fitting end.