CANVAS CAPS – BLACK (white embroidered logo) – one size fits all – $42
COTTON T – SHIRTS – DARK CHOCOLATE (white screen printed logo) – short sleeve only – – SIZES > SML / MED / LRG / XL / 2XL – $39
We only use the best quality garments. While at KAWAU ISLAND over Labour Weekend, I spotted a woody wearing a WW T-Shirt that would have been 10+years old 🙂
Numbers are limited so order now – just tell me what you want and I’ll confirm we can supply and send payment (+ postage) details. waitematawoodys@gmail.com
I visited Milford during the week to view the work underway on the launch – MONTEREY (yesterday’s story – scroll done) so took the opportunity to check out NGAIO. On previous visits there has been mainly deconstruction, template and repair work – yesterday we got to view first-hand the skills of boatbuilder Paul Tingey. So rather than ‘bury the photos on the end of the existing story, I made the call they deserved their own story. (I will also add them to the existing on-going story)
While at the yard I caught up with 3 generations of the Brooke family working on the family launch – LINDA. Robert came over to inspect the work on NGAIO and even though in the photo above it looks like Paul Tingey is having a chat with the headmaster – Robert had high praise for Paul’s work.✔️
LINDA
30-11-2025 Been a tad slack on the update photos – three sets (visits) below. Re-launch is close.
The 1946 Lidgard built 32’ classic wooden launch MONTEREY has been a regular member of my boating inner circle over the last 20 years of classic boating.
MONTEREY changed hands last year and over winter has been getting a refresh down below. Relax the above photos may appear a tad ‘refrigerator’ in colour but most of the timber trim and furnishing have been removed so the next photos we share she will look smarter.
Monterey is currently hauled out at the Slipway Milford for a Jason Prew Paint Job (JPPJ) and removing the decades of built up antifoam from her bottom. While out some of the systems and thru-hulls will be upgraded.
Very happy to see MONTEREY getting the TLC she deserves and hopefully more photos soon.
Two of my favourite MONTERY photos from the past below ❤️ (The stern signage was ex me having a quiet day in the studio)
From previous WW stories we learnt that KITTY VANE was launched in 1956, designed and built by T.C. (Ces) Watson, Laurie Going (father of Hugh Going) worked on her as well. She is named after Katherine (Kitty) Airini Vane, a famous artist from Northland.
She was based at Whangarei Deep Sea Anglers Club at Tutukaka for many years, under the ownership of the Going family.
Yesterday I was contacted by woody John Dawson who sent in todays photos from her past.
We have two questions :- # 1 Did KITTY VANE find a new owner and if so can we get an update on the project. # 2 Is the last photo from her launch day
Todays woody is a tad left field for WW, would be interesting to see what see looked like on launch day. For a longish time its been a lake boat and thats probably the best home for her.
Lots of ‘upgrades’ but still a looker and would fly with that 140hp Yamaha hanging off the stern. Must have been a beast when she had the twin 350hp V8’s ✔️
Built in 1957 by Jack Cropp she is 21’4” in length. A few areas that need some TLC but reflected in the price – $9k. Thanks to Ian McDonald for the heads up.
And woodys, as I have said many times – trailerable classics are the future of our movement.
Back in July 2018 we ran a story on the 1910 classic wooden launch – PONTIAC, at the time we generated an enormous amount of intel on the vessel – link belowJul 2018 – https://waitematawoodys.com/2018/07/09/pontiac/
Now thanks to Ian McDonald’s eagle eye spotting a tme listing we get a greater look at PONTIAC. What we have learnt is PONTIAC was built by McPhersons, Frederick St, Dunedin, for a publican in Pt Chalmers. She was originally named REREMOANA. Built of single skin carvel kauri, 33′ long and with a 8’3″ beam.The current engine is a BMC Commander 4 cylinder diesel that gets her along at8 knots.
Amazing only 2 owners in that last 90 year – one 30 years and the other 60 years.
Todays classic wooden launch – MARGARET ANNE has been a hidden gem on the WW site – lots of reference to her in other stories but we have not had a chance to do a deep dive.MARGARET ANNE started life in 1960 with the best possible pedigree – designed and built in Tauranga by the renowned boatbuilders – Oliver & Culpin (launch day photo below)As with so many of the O&G craft she started life as a big game fishing launch and plied her trade in the Bay of Plenty and later the Bay of Islands. In my experience the best looking craft caught the most and biggest fish, so MARGARET ANNE has an impressive log book recording her catches.
She fully retains her original aura, character and pedigree. At the same time, a careful integration of modern systems and technology ensures the very latest in comfort and safety.
Because MARGARET ANNE is finished without exterior brightwork (varnish), maintenance is both affordable and a breeze.
Some specs – 42’ when launched (now approx. 45’) she has a 12’6” beam and is constructed via carvel planking, and is powered by a Ford 135hp diesel engine.Sleeps 8 (2x double berth cabins) + exterior shower / head.
MARGARET ANNE is an elegant classic with pedigree and class, and yes she is for sale – after nearly 20 years of ownership her owner has asked the Wooden Boat Bureau to find her next custodian.
So, if you’re looking for an exceptionally well built and maintained classic launch with plenty of life left in her, MARGARET ANNE is it. Given the current market, her owner is very realistic with the price expectation. Genuine buyers only to initially contact myself at the email below for more details and to arrange a viewing. waitematawoodys@gmail.com
NOTE TO KEYBOARD LOOKERS – stick with trademe for your vicarious boats for sale entertainment MARGARET ANNE is presented ready for cruising this summer
It never ceases to amaze me where I get sent photos from, woody John Dawson sent me a link to a fb page titled – Golden Days of New Zealand.
A gent named Neil Rawlins post these today from tagged Ocean Beach, Motuihe Island, Auckland, Its dated 1969. Neil commented that folks traveled to the island on the following ferries – KESTREL, TOROA and NGOURO.
A good collection of classic launches at anchor – can we ID any of them. Sorry for the quality of the enlargments.
Check out this link to a very cool on-the- water event in Copenhagen -its the Santa Lucia Kayak Parade. Sent to me by Brent Kennedy ✔️
MYSTERY PICTON WOODEN LAUNCH AT THE MOETAPU REGATTA
Regular WW readers will know I’ve got a real soft spot for the good folks at the Picton Clinker & Classic Boat Club. They truly embody everything that’s great about the New Zealand classic boating scene — passion, community spirit, and plenty of character.
One of the highlights in my inbox each month is their club newsletter, DEADWOOD — always packed with stories, snippets, and treasures.
In the latest issue, two photos caught my eye — both shared above.
The first shows a rather smart-looking launch, captioned “Moetapu Regatta, Pelorus Sound, 26th December 1911.” Sadly, her identity remains a mystery. Can any woodys help name this launch.
The second photo, taken at the Moetapu Regatta on 27th December 1905, captures a very different scene — a seriously overloaded punt ferrying people to shore. The club newsletter counted at least 45 souls aboard. Clearly, there were no Health & Safety inspectors on duty that day 🙂
THE CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH JULIA – HOW DID SHE END UP HERE
Back in May 2017 one of the roving woody crew, Ross Dawson, reported in on the classic wooden double-end launch – JULIA. Ross spotted JULIA berthed at Nelson Marina (first 3 photos above)
Fast forward to Jan 2018 and John Burland reported that she was still berthed in Nelson.
Then in December 2022 Bay of Islands woody, Dean Wright snapped a photo of JULIA in Havelock Marina.
Sadly each time we were unable to learn anymore details on the vessel.
Then mid-week I get an email from Alistair Rowe reporting that while on a walk he spotted JULIA looking very sad lying in a bit of wasteland behind Sanford’s mussel processing plant at Havelock.
Hopefully this isn’t the end of the road for JULIA- can anyone enlighten us on the vessel and how she ended up in this sad state.
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