CAPLIN

Todays woody has one of the best back stories we have had on WW – the giff-rigged auxiliary yawl yacht – Caplin  was built in Penarth, Wales (UK)I in 1937-38 at the Anderson & Sons shipyard for Commander Robert D. Graham (R.N. ret.). 

Graham set off in late 1938 on a circumnavigation of the world, whilst cruising the Pacific he was alerted to the out break of WWII, he headed to New Zealand first stopping in Nelson then Wellington. In Wellington he placed Caplin  on the market and returned to the UK to reenlist.

Caplin  was purchased by an Oamaru family* who kept her in Oamaru Harbour for nearly 60 years.She then moved to Queen Charlotte Sound , then Akaroa, where her current owners bought her in 2015 and moved her to Golden Bay. Culpan now calls Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour home. Her current owner is the granddaughter of the GT Gillies* (George Thomas Gillies), who purchased Caplin from Cr Graham in Wellington in April 1940.

Caplin  is built in pitch-pine planks over oak frames with mahogany and teak trim – specs > 35’ length overall, 9’6” beam and draws 5’4”. Power is via a Yammer 3GM30F diesel. 

While her owners have invested significant time and funds to ensure that Caplin  retains her original aura, character and pedigree, they have also carefully integrated modern systems and technology to provide peace of mind and comfort – for example –  new galley, new toilet , completely rewired + panels and fittings, new bronze winch, diesel heater to name just a few.

Her light and airy saloon makes for a spacious and comfortable vessel both on route, at anchor or in the marina. Caplin attracts admirers anywhere.

12-11-2024 UPDATE – Below decks has been feeling the love, new owner Geoff Fiebig is a man of style and good taste.