CLASSIC WOODY CRUISING AT WHANGAROA
Recently Bay of Islands woody Dean Wright had headed up the coast to Whangaroa Harbour and being a professional photographer by trade his camera was never far from hand. So today we get to enjoy more of the B.O.I.’s woody fleet at play.
The ex workboat looking craft has done a few laps, anyone know her name / history.
And of course the magnificent 1920 built LUANA………the best looking boat to come out of the MT Lane shed 🙂
CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – ATHENA
The 1962 Des Donovan designed and built launch – ATHENA has made several appearances on WW and has had a very colourful life.
She is 48’ in length, has a beam of 12’11” and draws 5’5”. Forward motion is from a 127hp Gardner 6LX.
When I arrived last Friday night at Scotts Landing, Mahurangi I dropped anchor alongside ATHENA and was greeted by an old friend, Dave, who had just purchased her.
A great back story – owned by a Coromandel farmer who undertook a 10 year refit on her. All the interior wood was felled and milled on his property. Dave had been aware the ATHENA had been on/off the market for over a year and approached the owner and made an offer – sold.
So the Mahurangi Regatta weekend was really the shake down cruise.
I was invited aboard for a sun-downer and took the photos above. A few exterior items that need addressing but Dave is the man for that, having once owner the launch – WAIMIGA.
One of the things that makes ATHENA so special is she is a member of the sub-mariners club – Cameron Pollard told us the story a few years ago – “ATHENA ran over a bit of NZ ( like many still do) and sadly when the tide dropped so did the boat and she filled up and skidded off the rock. Story has it she was lost for quite a few days as the tide took her for a underwater voyage. When she was later found and salvaged the mud and foul inside her was quite unreal.” Photo below (ex K Ricketts) of the opps
So to see her on Friday living her best life was very special and testament to the skills of the tradespeople that have worked on her in recent years.
For further details on ATHENA contact – waitematawoodys@gmail.com
2025 MAHURANGI REGATTA WEEKEND – 75+ Classic Wooden Boat Photos
Well that wasn’t the woody weekend I‘m sure we all planned, but it was still a magic weekend and just goes too prove that classic wooden boat enthusiasts don’t let a lot of wind and rain get in the way of a good time.
The trip up on Friday afternoon / evening as uneventful (unless your woodys named – TAWERA, who ‘lost’ 2.5m off the top of her mast) and most anchored in and around Scott’s Landing.
Then it went down hill on Saturday morning – confusion around the start time for the launch parade – 1/2 the boats thought 10am, now I’m told it did say 9.30 in the classic yacht club newsletter, but……. the % of launches there that were members would have been less than 20%, so the parade was very patchy with skippers joining at different times. Numbers were down and the loop of Sullivan’s Bay was embarrassing- less than 20 people on the beach and I suspect they had no idea what was going on. BUT – still good to get together. Parade aside there was an impressive number of classic wooden launches in the harbour, in terms of pure classic craft , launches would have out numbered yachts by 4:1Most turning up to just enjoy the weekends activity on the water.
As the morning wore on the wind and seas picked up – resulting in some spectacular sailing in the Mahurangi Regatta yacht race. Amazing that they was no carnage, that I’m aware of.
Below is a selection of photos that Jason Prew took from his launch – MY GIRL. I have several videos put have tech issues with uploading – will sort and add asap. I’m sure there will be more fleet coverage on social media.
Post the boating activities the weather turned ugly and the smart people left Scott’s Landing for Pukapuka Inlet. The shore based activities would have been dampened down by the weather but the true blue woodys partied on. Big ups to Nick Atkinson and mates who entertained the revellers from the back of a truck. The normal 20+ piece jazz band was absent this year but from everyone I spoke to – I think Nick has a permeant gig.
The forecast for Sunday was evil, anything that has 50 knots in it is a big red flag. Then the heavens opened up and we had everything- wind , rain, lightening all night. Not a lot of sleep was had that night. Woke to no rain and wind down a little but forecast wasn’t good so made the call to cancel heading to Kawau and waited in Pukapuka for the weather to improve enough for a dash (not sure 8 knts is worthy of that term on RAINDANCE) home. Which we did.
Sad I missed hanging out at the Kawau Boating Club on Sunday night, but the upside was I scored a ride on Jason Prew’s – MY GIRL in the anniversary day launch race – full report tomorrow.
Enjoy the photo gallery 🙂 And remember to click on photos to enlarge.
Thanks to a tme listing we get a look down below. A snap shot – specs – 48’/12’11”/5’5” and powered by a Gardner 127hp diesel.
Her listing fails to mention that she is member of the ‘Submariners Club’ i.e. she has spent time below the waves. She also spent time in the ownership of one Alan Johnson, one of very few people 100% banned from the WW site, but that is another story…..
(photos ex M. Skinner ex trademe)
WW 2019 Story https://waitematawoodys.com/2019/02/03/athena/
Day Boat Without The Marina Costs
Its always a a challenge to squeeze the bits that make boating enjoyable into anything sub 20’, the owners of Tawa (previously Matariki) have managed to do it in a 16’ boat – so well done.
Built in 1958 by a A. Westrupp from double diagonal kauri (+f/glass) and presented in a very high finish – in fact she has won numerous awards at both the north & South Island Lake Rotoiti classic boating events.
The diesel heads amongst us would struggle to ID the 30hp engine – its a German MTU from an old WWII German submarine.
The bonus of Tawa is that she resides on a trailer so no marina fees and your boating locations are almost unlimited. (Thanks Ian McDonald for the tme listing heads up)
ATHENA – The Woody Buy Of The Year – $30,000 ono
Without going into details – the owner of the woody Athena has told me to find the right buyer and sell her – there’s even a B.O.I. marina on offer (extra)
Full details here https://waitematawoodys.com/2022/06/01/athena-next-caretaker-wanted/
BILL COULDREY AND HIS BOATS – Help Wanted
Book author and publisher – Jenni Mence (she will hate me using that intro, but its true) whose last book was the uber cool – ‘K CLASS – The Hauraki Gulf’s Iconic Racer Cruiser’, has committed to another mammoth publication. This time focusing on the Arnold Francis (Bill) Couldrey design and boat building bloodline.
Currently in the final research phase, Jenni has called out to WW readers for help identifying the boats and discovering / confirming things like – the boats built and when, the current owner and/or anyone (owner or otherwise) who has a story to tell about the boat. Jenni would also love to talk to anyone who has memories of Bill himself.One has to assume many of the boats won’t have lasted the distance, however there may still be stories or family photos hanging around of them.
To help keep things semi organised we have broken it into loose categories
MULLET BOATS / 18 FOOTERS & SAILING DINGHIES
# Athena # Shamrock # Hawke # Limerick # Mamaru # Surprise
# Desdemona # Lanai # Freedom # Nancye # Sonoma # Salome
# Tamarus # Gay # Maui # Nudger # Kea # Mawera.
YACHTS
# Gayleen # Awatere # Tarawai # Ocean Phoenix
LAUNCHES
# Pirimanu # Kereru # Cleone # Manunui # Reremoana # Tirimoana # Lisa Ann
# Rag Doll # Natalie # Cabaletta (may have previously been called Latitude) # Deborah Ann
Any further information anyone has on any of these boats – or other Couldrey boats we may not yet have identified would be really appreciated.
As a reward for your input, everyone that helps out will go into the draw for a copy of Jenni’s K CLASS book + the best photograph submitted (judged by Alan H) also goes into a draw for a another copy of the book. Thats 2 Copies To Be Won. Draw Close off date is August 1st – just in time for Father’s Day
Initial Contact To Jenni Mence at jennimence@gmail.com
ATHENA – Next Caretaker Wanted
Whangaroa Harbour is a spot I spend a bit of time in/around – when waiting for pickup I mooch around the marina and there is one launch – Athena, that always catches my eye – its hard not too its just so perfect. Most designers were challenged when it came to getting the lines right on a sub 30’ boat, Athena is spot on.
Her measurements are 25’ x 8’ x 1’6” and her hull is 3/4” kauri carvel planked and the decks, coamings, cabin top and bridge have all been f/glassed for weather proofing and low maintenance. Both fuel and water tanks are s/s. Sleeps 4 in a double and 2 single berths.
Powered by a Perkins 40hp 4107 engine (new in 1972, rebuilt 1991) she cruises comfortably at 7 knots. Some history – originally designed and built by Cauldrey in c.1950’s, she was rebuilt (hull up, photos below) in 1991 by her owner as a family launch with game fishing characteristics. Based in the Bay of Islands the owners lost count of the game fish landed over the last 30 years. Athena is still fully game rigged.Owned by a seriously devoted boaty, Athena is fully equipped with all the safety gear for coastal cruising.
We have been tasked with finding a new owner for this very salty looking classic woody – for more details on Athena – contact the Wooden Boat Bureau c/o waitematawoodys@gmail.com
Buying or Selling a Classic Boat
Without sounding too much like the late Jacinda Ardern (“be kind”) – when people ask me about classic wooden boat ownership, I normally say that owning a woody has a positive effect on your life i.e. you end up forging a life you don’t need to escape from.
So woodys in the interest of your mental well being listed below a sample of some of the boats that are currently berthed at the virtual Wooden Boat Bureau Sales Marina. There are others for sale, some owners request privacy. To read more about the Wooden Boat Bureau – click https://waitematawoodys.com/2019/12/01/wooden-boat-bureau-advice-for-buyers-and-sellers/
The Wooden Boat Bureau is uniquely placed to offer impartial, up-to-date market information and objective advice to both sellers and buyers. So if you are looking for a wooden boat or considering selling – email us at waitematawoodys@gmail.com
Or call Alan Houghton 027 660 9999
SELECTION ONLY – 50% of Listing Are Private
ATHENA🔻 48′ 1962 Des Donovan – Asking Price TBA
Learn more – https://waitematawoodys.com/2025/01/30/classic-wooden-launch-athena/
NGARUNUI 🔻 48′ 1959 Jim Young- Asking Price TBA
Learn more – https://waitematawoodys.com/2025/12/08/classic-wooden-launch-ngarunui-a-peek-down-below-now-for-sale/
MARGARET ANNE 🔻 45′ 1960 Oliver & Gilpin – Asking Price TBA
Learn more – https://waitematawoodys.com/2025/11/10/classic-42-launch-margaret-anne-4sale/
MAHANUI 🔻42′ 1977 T Atkinson – Asking Price – TBA
Learn more https://waitematawoodys.com/2022/10/28/classic-42-sports-cruiser-mahanui/
ALLERGY🔻 58′ 1985 Denis Ganley / Pete Culler – Asking Price – $110,000
Learn more https://waitematawoodys.com/2022/10/21/allergy-aucklands-most-livable-woody/
ROMANCE II🔻36′ 1919 Bailey & Lowe – Price by negotiation
Learn more https://waitematawoodys.com/2023/11/20/quick-classic-launch-4sale-romance-ii/
KURANGI🔻35′ 1960 Builder tbc- Asking Price – TBA
Learn more https://waitematawoodys.com/2023/10/06/kurangi-2/
ANTARES 🔻36′ 1949 McGeady / Supreme Craft – Asking Price – $55,000 $45,000
Learn more – email waitematawoodys@gmail.com
RESTLESS 🔻40′ 1920 Alden/Tercel – Asking price – TBA
Learn more https://waitematawoodys.com/2023/03/19/restless/
SOLD – Selection below, some names withheld at seller / buyer request:
ADONIS 45′ – Owen Woolley – 1965 launch
AROHANUI 48’ – Donovan/Hacker – 1965 launch
ATHENA 25′ c.1950 Couldrey launch
AWARIKI 32′ 1967 Owen Woolley launch
BALLERINA 28′ – Lidgard – 1951 launch
BONDI BELLE 45′ 1901 CHARLES BAILEY JNR.
CAPLIN 35′ – Anderson & Sons (UK) 1937/8 -Gaff Yawl yacht
CASTAWAY 33’ – Dick Lang – 1947 launch
CENTAURUS 42’ – Bailey & Sons – 1967 launch
KAILUA 36’ – Salthouse – 1960/1 launch
KOKORU 39’ – Jack Morgan – 1960 launch
KOTARE 24’ – Kingfisher Boats – 1954 launch
LADY ADELAIDE 35’ – Dick Lang – 1922 launch
LADY PAMELA 59’ – Pelin Warrior – 1986 launch
MAHANUI 42’ – Keith Atkinson – 1977 launch
MANA-NUI 39′ 1913 Harvey & Lang
MANURERE 43” 1937 Miller & Tunnage –
MATAROA 36′ Joe Slattery 1928 launch
MONTEREY 33’6” 1946 Lidgard bridge-decker launch
NGARO 45’ – Lidgard – 1953 launch
PIRATE 42’ – Leone Warne – 1938 launch
POCO LENTO 33’ – Roy Parris/Bagnall – 1979 launch
RANUI 48’ 1948 Lidgard
WAIKARO 33’ – Roy Parris/Bagnall – 1978 launch
WAIMIGA 36’ – Robertson Boatbuilders – 1968 launch
SEA FEVER 34′ Salthouse – 1958 launch
SEQUOIA 36′ 1938 Lewis McLeod launch
SHALOM 48’ – Keith Atkinson – 1973 launch
SILENS 38′ Harvey & Lang 1912 launch
TARANUI 36′ 1965 John Gladden Motor-salier
VANESSA 48′ 2005 Robbie Roberts Passage Motor Yacht
ATHENA
Update 2 from Cameron P
She ran over a bit of nz. ( like many still do). There was a photo album on board with pictures of her on the rock that Des took while sitting in the dinghy.
Update 23-02-2020 – The top photo of Athena is dated January 1962 and shows her about to be launched at Devonport. She was built by Des Donovan.
Valerie
Aranui
Breezin
Far North Woody Road Trip
First part of the xmas holiday was a road trip to Kerikeri > Te Ngaere Bay > Whangaroa > Mangonui > Karikari Peninsula.
I had never been to Te Ngaere Bay before, its one of those off the main highway, not sign posted places. Simply stunning spot, I’ll bore you with a few photos below. Popped over to Whangaroa & snapped a few of the classics at the marina – most have been on ww before but they deserve to be seen again 🙂
The ‘headlights’ on Leilani are an unusual feature…….. , even snapped a couple of yachts.
TE NGAERE
KARIKARI PENINSULA
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