Viveen @ Te Komua Raira @ Te KoumaTamureAltairOlive Rose @ Waiheke IslandAlma G @ Russel Wharf
A Pot-Pourri Of Woodys
Today’s collection of classic launches come to use from a collective of woodys photographers that are cruising the Hauraki Gulf and outer waters – thanks to Angus Rogers, Murray Deeble, Colin Pawson and Lindsay McMorran.
Waiheke Island Causeway Haul-Out After driving past the haul-out yard at the top of Putiki Bay most days, normally around mid-morning (worst light) I at last got the light and the tide right. Great collection of craft in various states of repair / refit – I imagine the council nazis’s keep a tight rein of the ‘residents’ but it was remarkably tidy.
One of my southern spies (in the summer months) John Burland sent in the above gallery of woodys that he spotted while patrolling the docks. From top to bottom we have Katoa – all spruced up, then Kelvin and then two unknowns. Finally the very regal Lady Karita, who is looking very well turned out these days, more on her tomorrow.
Todays photos of Kowai and Tantalus come to us from woody Ant Smit (MV Waikaro) – Ant spotted the woodys parked up in Calypso Bay, Motuihe Island, Hauraki Gulf enjoying a stunning Boxing Day in Auckland.
BOI woody and pro photographer Dean Wright sent in the above photos of Miss Brett, Arcturus and Ranoni loitering in the bay on Christmas Day.
Meanwhile closer to home island life is a little bit more ‘family’ focused – the paddle board xmas present was a hit, I’ll say it before Jason Prew does – its a 1/3 the size of Raindance 🙂 If you’re on Waiheke, check out the new establishment named HEKE, very relaxed dining, great food and for Waiheke, well priced. Just down the road from Stonyridge.
The First Yacht Confirmed For The New CYA Heritage Basin Marina
If you were asleep all week, might be a good idea to click on the image below to catch up on the controversy around the probable selection criteria for classic CYA vessels berthing in the new CYA 40 berth waterfront marina.
click image to view
WW Quiz Winners – The answer to the Friday quiz re the number of boats Collings & Bell built turns out to be very questionable – Ron Wattlen in his book states over 1000 (see screen grab below) turns out it was a lot less – so woodys to be fair & kind (pass me a bucket) all entries went into the draw and the two winners of a copy of the book – ‘C J & A J Collings – Designed & Boat Builders’ are:
• Ross Dawson – Papakura • Dean Wright – B.O.I. (copies are in the mail)
During the week Hugh Gladwell gave me the heads up on a woody project that was nearing completion. The ex navy 3-in-1 whaler, Hauiti, also known as a motor sea-boat, was built at the Naval Dockyard in 1962 out of double diagonal kauri. She has been converted by Peter Thompson (who was the project manager on the Jane Gifford restoration) to a river boat to operate in survey on the Mahurangi River. Hauiti is powered by an Elco electric motor which will run for about 7 hours and is charged by a bank of solar panels on the cabin top with no shore charging. Peter Sewell has designed the propellor. Hugh commented that the river is now dredged along 3 quarters of its length to a depth of 1.5 metres at low water and they have about a year to go to complete the project. Once complete, the upper basin area will be a great overnight cruising destination for swallow(ish) vessels. Watch this space for a woodys weekend cruise.
Looking For Santa Sack Fillers
For what seems a very long time (25 years in fact), Rotorua woody – Ronald Wattam has been beavering away pulling together a book on the boat building dynasty – C.J.and A.J. Collings. Ron is linked via marriage to the family. The book covers the period 1896 > 1967. Yesterday a package arrived with some advance copies – I am so manic on the work front I haven’t had a chance to read, but at 153 pages its a very extensive collection of photos, data and insights into 70 years of New Zealand maritime history. I have two copies to give away – the question is – approximately how many boats did the Collings & Bell company build?. All close answers will go into the draw for one of two copies. Entry is by email only to waitematawoodys@gmail.com closes 9pm 17-12-2021 If you miss the draw – copies are available at $55+p&p, direct from Ronald Watttam at olivine@xtra.co.nz
The 1955, 38’ Supreme Craft built, ex game fishing classic launch Aquarius first appeared on WW back in Sept 2018, at the time she was hauled out on Waiheke Island and in a very sad state and we were reaching out to find a passionate woody that would take her under their wing – see that story here https://waitematawoodys.com/2018/09/01/aquarius-sos/ In April 2019 we reported that someone had stepped up to the mark and Aquarius was being transported back to the mainland and hopefully restored – see that story here https://waitematawoodys.com/2019/04/16/aquarius-saved/ Then in June 2020 we got to have a gander at the scope of the project, lots of photos here https://waitematawoodys.com/2020/06/10/aquarius-restoration-update/
Now thanks to a tme listing we get a peek at the almost finished job, the listing tells us the interior need finishing and a final coat of paint to the exterior. I understand a lot of work has gone into the project – could be an easy entry into woody boating for someone prepared to roll their sleeves up.Her forward motion is via twin Ford 85hp diesel engines. Below is a peek at her journey 🙂
UPDATE 22-12-21 – photos below from the past sent in by Shamus
30-10-2022 UPDATE – Recently popped up for sale on tme. Still a work-in-progree but some bling being assembled to go on her 🙂
RESULTS OF YESTERDAYS CYA HERITAGE BASIN POLL – 85% BACKING FOR OPEN TO ALL CYA VESSELS – Over 1000 votes cast. Very high number of individual people visiting the site yesterday, 2nd only to a Mahurangi Regatta weekend story. Thanks also to all the emails and calls – I understand peoples hesitancy to comment ‘publicly’ on the site 😉
I had an email from a long term CYA launch owner “Greetings Alan, In my anger I voted thumb down when I wanted to vote for all wooden boats in the marina. Anyway to change it?”
The Initial Concept For Heritage Landing Was On Brief Heritage Basin – Was There Ever A Brief
TELL US YOUR VIEW – Should Auckland’s new waterfront Heritage Basin marina be: A. By invitation only for YACHTS alone that are pre WWII, NZ designed and built, and preferably gaff rigged, A Class. Or B. Be open to All CYA vessels VOTING CLOSED RESULTS BELOW – 85% SUPPORT THE MARINA BEING OPEN TO ALL CYA VESSELS
The bridge – decker Rarangi was built in 1951 by the Lanes Motor Boat Company using kauri planking. She is 39’ in length, with a beam of 12’5”, and draws 3’11”.
The forward motion is via twin Ford 80hp diesel engines, reconditioned 100 hrs ago by Moon Engines. Being a Southern boat (Nelson) Rarangi is very well spec’ed. Thanks to Ian McDonald for the tme heads up, Ian commented that Rarangi had been quite a famous Mayor Island game fishing launch. Run for many years by Bob Gray and then his daughter Jill. A photo of Rarangi at Mayor Island at the WW link below – https://waitematawoodys.com/2020/04/21/classic-launches-at-opo-bay-mayor-island/
NOT MANY POSTAGE DAYS LEFT ON THE CALENDAR IF YOU ARE WANTING WW GEAR FOR THE SANTA SACK
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