If you typed the words jet boat into the WW search box, pretty sure the answer would be ’Nothing Found’, until today.
I stumbled across this wee beauty 4 sale in Nelson – what a treasure.
Some details – TARANUI is 19’ in length and was built in 1967 by Mr Macpherson of Mapua. She spent the most of her life in a shed at Duncan Bay, Tennyson Inlet. Powered by a Crusader Marine 327 Chevy, connected to a Hamilton Jet unit which was purchased from Wilkins & Field in the mid to late 60’s. The gate steering has been modified to make her more agile.
She won ‘Best Jet Boat’ at the 2016 Classic Boat Show at Lake Rotoiti and from the photos looks like she could win again.
CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH LOLENE LOOKING VERY SAD + LABOUR WEEKEND KAWAU ISLAND SPRING SPLASH DETAILS
The classic kauri carvel sedan launch LOLENE was designed and built by Billy Rogers & launched in 1963 as his own launch. Back in April 2014 WW ran a story on her and we learnt from Harold Kidd that she was named after one of his daughters, as were a lot of Billy’s boats.
powered by 6 cylinder 120hp Ford diesel. She measured 34’Length, 10’ 9” beam & 3’ 3” draft. 5’ 10” headroom and powered by 6 cylinder 120hp Ford diesel. Link to 2014 story here – https://waitematawoodys.com/2014/04/08/lolene/
Earlier in the week John Dawson sent in the above photos from Waiheke Island. Fingers crossed someone out there loves her, she is desperately needing some TLC.
KAWAU ISLAND SPRING SPLASH – do not want to temp fate but everything is falling into place – weather forecast ✔️, bands / DJ’s everyday at Kawau Boating Club ✔️, new caterers and menu ✔️, refurbished clubrooms ✔️, events for all – sailing races, cruising events, classic woodys parade – ✔️, and its all free ✔️, no entry fees, no cover charges , clubrooms open to all boaties✔️, there is even an extended ferry service from Sandspit for non boaties ✔️ – programme below.
The photo above has appeared on WW before, capturing and promoting the X-factor that makes Kawau Island such a special destination for classic boaters. Its sheltered anchorages, rich maritime heritage and relaxed cruising atmosphere make it hard to beat for a Labour Weekend escape.
Over the past few years, the Kawau Boating Club, Ponsonby Cruising Club and WaitemataWoodys — three staunch supporters of classic boating and the cruising lifestyle — have been working together to develop and promote a gathering of traditional craft in and around Kawau Island.Brought together under the banner of Labour Weekend Spring Splash.
The event is becoming a wonderful opportunity for owners and crews to get out on the water, catch up with fellow enthusiasts and celebrate everything that makes classic wooden boating so special.It’s all about good boats, good company and the timeless pleasure of cruising in one of the Hauraki Gulf’s most treasured destinations.
• SATURDAY – Matakana Markets River Cruise & Round the Island Yacht Race
• SUNDAY – Waitematawoodys Classic Parade & Short Course Yacht Race + Race Giving ar KBC
• MONDAY – Breakfast at KBC
Each day the KBC clubrooms will be open to all boaties + we have new managers and menu. Check on-line for opening hours. https://kawauboatingclub.nz
f you are not racing there is no requirement to enter, just turn up and enjoy the weekend and the sociability of the KBC. Hey you my enjoy it and consider becoming a member 😉
PS – I emailed details out to the WW data base earlier in the week, but not surprisingly not everyone is on the database. If you want to be kept updated on classic events and gatherings – just drop an email to waitematawoodys@gmail.com with your name, boat name (if you have one) and mobile number. We do not spam you, it is a very tight list.
During the week the media have been flagging the sale of the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron Kawau Island property (Lidgard House and property”) to Ngati Manuhiri. I have no issue with who bought it and I’m not going to enter into the debate around whether the property will be visually and physically respected by its new owner.
What concerns me is the loss of access to a resource that all boat owners had access to. Sure the RNZYS owned it, but no one ever stopped a boat owner stretching their legs or exercising the family dog.And if you were a squadron member, you had access to an all tide wharf/pontoon where you could tie up the dinghy.
If you think it will be business as normal re access, you are wrong. I quote from the RNZYS advice to members – “In recognition of the Squadron’s long stewardship of the property, Ngati Manuhiri has warmly invited RNZYS to continue to enjoy use of the beachfront, jetty, pontoon and lawn area TWICE annually….. for an initial period of 20 years”.
Sadly I suspect the real loser from this sale will be the Kawau Boating Club, there will be fewer ‘walk up’ customers frequenting the club and less fuel sales. The only winner out of all this is Waiheke Island retailers, and when you factor in high fuel costs – I predict boats will be dropping anchor closer to home this summer.
NORTHWIND – NOT LONG OF THIS WORLD
The 33’ wooden motorsailer NORTHWIND is very close to an appointment with a back hoe. In the words of the wellington Harbour Master – “this is a serious project for a classic boat and not for the faint hearted” – that would be the understatement of the year.
In my eyes probably best viewed as a donor boat for someone wanting some fittings. Searchable on tme. (thanks Ian McDonald)
2025 KAWAU ISLAND SPRING SPLASH REGATTA – A WOODY WEEKEND TO REMEMBER – 50+ PHOTOS
Pleased to report that the long weekend’s woody action at Kawau Island was an absolute triumph. Now in its second year, the Spring Splash Regatta — a joint venture between the Kawau Boating Club, Ponsonby Cruising Club, and Waitematawoodys — continues to grow in both size and spirit.
It’s still early days for what’s shaping up to be a great annual tradition, but this year’s event had an unmistakably upbeat, jaunty vibe. Everywhere you looked, people were smiling, swapping yarns, and clearly having a great time afloat and ashore.
I’ll apologise up front for being light on the yacht racing and prize-giving coverage — for reasons I won’t bore you with — but rest assured, the competition and camaraderie were both in full swing.
Sunday’s Woodys Classic Parade was the visual highlight of the weekend, showcasing a handsome flotilla of 17 classic launches for all those anchored in Bon Accord Harbour and watching from waterfront properties. Aside from a brief 10-minute burst of H₂O at the start, the weather came right and the parade looked spectacular.
A big thank you to the classic skippers and crews who took part — your efforts made for a great show.
Helming a boat among moored craft while trying to take photos is a fine line between “challenging” and “slightly reckless,” so I’m especially grateful to Dean Watchlin, Murray Deeble and Richard Bicknell for sharing their superb photos from the weekend.
Enjoy today’s gallery — loosely divided into two parts: the weekend’s happenings and the Sunday Parade. Sorry if the cameras missed your boat – some joined the parade midway and some departed midway. The crew of KAIKOURA below, correctly attired for the occasion 🙂
MYSTERY AT LAKE TAUPO – IS MOTORBOAT SUSIE BELLE COMING OR GOING+ Labour Weekend Classic Wooden Boating Info
On a recent trip to Taupo to check out his flotilla of lake boats, Jason Prew spotted SUSIE BELLE on the back of a transporter. Given the heavy rain, JP wasn’t able to ascertain whether the launch was arriving or leaving Taupo. Anyone able to confirm if there is a new owner and where she calls home these days.
From the 2024 story we learnt that SUSIE BELLE is 34’ in length, designed by Don Brooke and built by Gary Wheeler. The built year is 1986 and whilst we understand built from wood, , plywood + there is a very thick layer of paint aka f/glass. Power is via a 60hp Isuzu diesel.
INPUT ex TREVOR COPPOCK – I spotted Susie Belle passing Wynyard Point on 17 September with a “For Sale” sign on her rails.
INPUT ex PAUL DRAKE – Photo is at Motuoapa. Not previously seen at Taupo, so she is either coming or simply passing through.
03-10-2025 UPDATE ex Jay Brosnahan (Jays Towing & Boat Haulage) has advised SUSIE BELLE is sitting on his transport trailer atm and she will be getting dropped into Motuoapa Marina (Taupo/Turangi) next week to live.
04-10-20225 update ex JAY BROSNAHAN – Haul Out
07-10-2025 Splash day at Motuoapa
BOATING THIS LABOUR WEEKEND – Join Us At Kawau Island
Labour Weekend (Oct 24>27) is fast approaching so time to lock away cruising plans. After the success of last years inaugural Waitematawoodys Classic Boat Parade at the Kawau Boating Club Spring Splash Regatta weekend, WW is pleased to confirm that we are again partnering with KBC and the Ponsonby Cruising Club to make the holiday weekend extra special.
We encourage all skippers to take part in the weekend – whether entering your yacht in the weekends races or cruising to Kawau to enjoy the Island / KBC vibes.
If you haven’t visited the KBC in recent years you’re in for a treat, it is truely a stunning waterfront venue with hospitality + food and beverages unmatched in NZ.
Full weekend details in the downloadable PDF file below, which includes the entry (free) form for the sailing events.
Just prior to the xmas break I had cause to visit Warkworth, ok I’ll tell the truth – I was buying a pie on route to Sandspit marina 🙂
Rather than fill the car with crumbs, I went for a stroll down to the riverfront dockside. As always there was a very salty looking collection of craft tied up.
Most of the craft will be attending the 2025 Mahurangi Cruising Club Regatta later this month (Jan 25th) – the biggest gathering of classic craft afloat in New Zealand, refer flyer below.
KAWAU ISLAND SPRING SPLASH REGATTA REVIEW – 70+ CLASSIC WOODEN BOATING PHOTOS
WoW what a long weekend – our first long weekend as we slide out of winter into summer. The on-the-water boating season kicked off this year with a new event on the calendar – the ‘Labour Weekend Spring Splash Regatta’ at Kawau Island, in the Hauraki Gulf. Going forward the hosts – Kawau Boating Club and race organisers – Ponsonby Cruising Club intend to ran the regatta every year. The weather gods were against us at times – but the weekend was a winner with everyone that attended.
Firstly I’d like to thank all the skippers, family and crew that took the leap of faith and pointed their craft north in conditions on both Friday and Saturday morning that can best described as character building for the skippers and testing for the craft.
I went north at mid day on Friday and all I saw in terms of other craft afloat was a procession of yachts returning to Auckland after pulling out of the Coastal Classic race to Russell. Big ups to the yachts that pushed on and completed the race, I’m sure most skippers will have trouble rounding up crew for next years race 🙂
Fridays race to Kawau was light on numbers due to the weather but the fleet pushed on and most made it to KBC to swap stories. Mike Mahoney commented that his majestic 1935 Logan built classic – TAWERA spent more time going thru the waves than on top of them.
Saturday’s around the island race was cancelled due to high winds, but the KBC turnover was the winner. A great night ,with a DJ on hand.
Sunday we had the Waitematawoodys classic parade and 15 woodys (one yacht) did a lap of BON ACCORD Harbour – a brilliant turnout for the opening year. Those participating were recorded with stunning weather.
Post the parade, the yacht race got away, check out the video below of TAWERA coming in hot to the finish line – perfect timing by skipper Mike and crew, Only problem it was to decide 3 and 4 place 🙂
Sunday nights prize giving was a hoot and most people left with a prize and a smile.
Other activities over the weekend were a children’s lolly scramble and the KBC AGM on Sunday morning. Brilliant turnout at the AGM and very positive vibes.
The weekend report wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the recently refurbished KBC clubroom / bar / bistro – the presentation of the interior is a perfect fit for a boating club of the KBC’s standing.
And the food and staff…………… 10/10 – the food photos tell their own story.
The winner of the major prize for parade participants – SPONSORED BY THE SLIPWAY MILFORD – was Jill Hetherington and her 1939 C. Bailey built launch – TUNA. Jill’s prize is a haulout and 3 days hardstand at the classic friendly railway slip.
I have to sign off now, I’m falling asleep at the keyboard.
Enjoy the photo gallery & videos, several people clicking the camera (phone) over the weekend, so thanks for everyones contribution.
A wee bit of a lame story today – a looooong weekend at Kawau Island. I’m waking up to this view Lidgard House. Erasing the trip up on Friday afternoon , it’s been a cracker weekend. Lots of photos tomorrow from the Kawau Boating Club Spring Splash Regatta
And as there always has to be a classic boating photo – the top photo is such a flash back to wooden boating in the gulf last century.
