Tag Archives: Chris Robertson

The Re-Launch of Susan Jane

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The Re-Launch of Susan Jane

The restoration of the 1950 Chris Robertson built – Susan Jane, at Colin Brown’s Omaha yard was been well documented on ww – link below. Last week (21-06-2018) Susan Jane emerged from the shed & made the road trip to Gulf Harbour marina for splashing. Ken Ricketts was on hand to record the event.

I have seen SJ in the flesh & I can tell you that in real life she looks even better – that man Colin Brown does stunning work – so the big question is – who is next in the shed?

 

https://waitematawoodys.com/2016/10/30/susan-jane-sailing-sunday/

Update 13-05-2019 out at Gulf Harbour (photos ex Ken Ricketts)

Around The Yards – Warkworth

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Around The Yards – Warkworth

Alan Sexton was recently hauled out at Robertson’s Yard, Warkworth & snapped this interesting collection of boats. Alan reported that the ‘Jane Gifford’ was also up for a bottom paint and the Harland’s ‘Plain Jane’ (designed and built by Chris Robertson) was in the shed for a top to bottom refurbishment.

The above photos of the boats on the hard caught Alan’s eye.
James Groenhart’s 28′, 1951, Lidgard built ‘Ballerina’ was looking very smart, but then she should, having spent 5 weeks last year in Colin Brown’s shed for a re-fit. photos here https://waitematawoodys.com/2016/02/10/ballerina-restoration/

Now Lady Rere is an interesting launch, she started off as a bare shell of a hull, reputed to be ~100yrs old, Alan believes Robertson’s built the new superstructure and interior and engineering. Do we know any more about her?

The centre-boarder ‘Tirranna’ pictured is a Hartley at around 28’& in a moment of weakness (on my behalf) sneaks into todays ww post . Alan commented it was good to see a boat of her type in immaculate condition.

Susan Jane – Sailing Sunday

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SUSAN JANE – Sailing Sunday

With Omaha boat builder Colin Brown having just re-launched the Colin Wild built launch – Little Tasman, we have been wondering what was next into the shed. The answer is the yacht Susan Jane, built by Chris Robertson c1950. Colin is not sure whether or not he designed her so is looking for any more info the woodys can supply.

Susan Jane is having  a major rebuild as a result of rot issues. Colin has taken the project over from a friend of his, who due to poor health is unable to complete the project. The above photos are by Colin, emailed to me via Ken Ricketts.

01-07-2017 REFIT UPDATE
The Brown family – Colin, son Dylan & son-in-law Josh have been hard at work on the refit.
All exterior hull work done by Dylan & the interior ex the hands of Josh.
Photos below, ex Colin, emailed to me by Ken Ricketts.

20-10-2017 Refit Update – photo ex Colin Brown via Ken Ricketts.

06-11-2017 Refit Update – photos ex Colin Brown via Ken Ricketts

She is going to be powered by a 38 Hp 3 cyl Nani Diesel

10-04-2018 Update – More photo ex Colin Brown via Ken R

And more

SUSAN JANE April18a - ...

SUSAN JANE April18b

24-04-2018 Update – Susan Jane & her restorer Colin Brown had a special yard visit (23/04) from the original builder Chris Robertson, aged 91 years. Chris was accompanied by his son Martin & grandson Aaron – all 3 boatbuilders.

Photo below shows Susan Jane getting the royal inspection from the Robertson family. I understand Colin was very honoured. Photo ex Colin , via Ken Ricketts.

SUSAN JANE 23.4.18

Old style family sailing

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Old style family sailing

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An early 1980’s montage of how cruising used to be. CYA member Graham & Roger Guthrie aboard Michelle II, a 38′ Chris Robertson sloop during a 5 days Easter 1981 cruise around Waiheke. Looks like everyone had a great time.

Comments from Roger Guthrie

THE YACHT IS CALLED MICHELLE 2.BUILT BY CHRIS ROBERTSON.PURCHASED BY ROGER GUTHRIE 1981.BUILT FOR A CHAP SURNAME OF ROBSON.WAS MAKING MARINE WINCHES ETC IN AUCKLAND. HE HARDLY USED IT BUT LOVED THE WORK HE DID ON IT.IT HAS A KAURI HULL AND LOTS OF VARNISHED TEAK IN THE COCPIT AND CABIN SIDES.ENOUGH TO DRIVE ANY OWNER TO MOVE ON. I SOLD IT TO A CHAP CALLED FOWLER IN AUCKLAND WHO LIKE ME WAS GOING TO KEEP IT FOREVER BUT LIKE ME FOREVER IS NOT LONG WITH THAT AMOUNT OF WORK.SHE WAS A VERY PRETTY BOAT AND WAS ONE OF ABOUT 10 36 FOOT TO 38 FOOTERS BUILT AT ABOUT THAT TIME.I UNDERSTAND IT WAS SOLD TO AN AMERICAN WHO GOT IT TO THE U.S. AND SPENT A YEAR GETTING IT CLEARED FOR IMPORT BECAUSE IT WAS MADE FRON AN INDIGINOUS TIMBER OF N.Z…HE ENTERED IT IN A COMPETITION AT SAN DIEGO MARINA AND WON “PRETIEST BOAT OF THE SHOW’ SO I WAS LATER TOLD