Tag Archives: Chris Robertson

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

30-01-2025 INPUT ex Rob Rowdon – Built by Chris Robertson finished by Robert Rowdon for himself. Rob went on to build Townson yachts Sonnet and Caper. 
We owned the Michelle II for three years and was well used