Tag Archives: My Girl

MERRY CHRISTMAS

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hello to all the waitematawoodys readers – merry christmas and best wishes for the holidays. Where ever you are in the world I hope you are taking the opportunity to reconnect with friends and family.
To me Christmas is not a date, it is a state mind – that hopefully lasts 2 > 3 weeks. People generally are nicer to each other, more considerate and forgiving. I’m a giver, always have been, I love the whole process of choosing gifts for people and almost always get it right, except when I bought the wife a lifejacket (there were other items) one year.
I’m a fan of trying to live my everyday life in an amusing, enjoyable way – that way you do not need to look forward to holidays to escape everyday life – life is a holiday, easily said but it works for me. The Pooh Bear cartoon below from A.A. Milne portrays it perfectly.
Enjoy the break, safe travels 🙂
Ps I’ll try to keep the WW stories flowing but forgive me if I miss a day, life might just get in the way 😉
Pooh Bear copy
My photo of 2019 below (so far, years not over yet) – says everything about woody life – a happy bloke and his boat
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Woody Classics Weekend Riverhead Trip Report

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Woody Classics Weekend Riverhead Trip Report

We had 23 classic launches confirm for Sundays Riverhead cruise but folks I can report that the weather at times was a little evil. Not too bad for the big girls but the sub 30’ crowd were rocking & rolling. Lots of white water over the top. But it was only for a short time, after Herald Island things improved 🙂
On the day, 15 launches travelled to the Riverhead Tavern and had a ball, neat people , stunning boats, lots of good chat. Big ups to those that came by car to join the gathering, nice gesture.
Now – confession time – on the email I to sent the skippers that had RSVP’ed I gave everyone a big wind up about behaving e.g. Indian File, follow the leader, no over taking etc etc and bugger me – Raindance went aground. Last bend before the hotel & I’m up on deck laying out the lines & fenders and  the ‘duty’ skipper puts us in the mud. No amount of forward / reverse would move her. Thank goodness for my boatbuilder Geoff Bagnall and his wife Theresa on board Achillies, who came to our aid and pulled us off. Not before 1/2 the fleet passed us – very embarrassed. Hopefully the oops cleaned off some Baywater sludge. But I was not alone………. 2 others parked up as well 😉
Not a great day for photos, overcast and drizzle but the sun shone thru at the important times 🙂
Remember to put a big circle in your diary for the weekend of 19/20th of October for the next Woodys Classics Weekend. Its a picnic cruise to Still Water motor camp – Master of ceremonies / Officer of the day / Rear commodore / Chief Poo-bar / Mark Edmonds (who like titles) is finalising dates and details but there could be a band, classic cars / motorbikes and vehicle access for the boat less Woodys – more details soon.
Special thanks to Brendon Gardiner, Margo Hudson, Jason Prew and Alan Houghton for the photos.
Photos below from Michelle Maitland onboard Cleone

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And more ex David Plummer and Geoff Steven

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B/W photo below ex Mike Mahoney

WCW Riverhead ex McH

Great view of Jason Prew’s – My Girl below. taken by Angus Rogers. Really shows off her lines, no wonder she is so quick 😉

My Girl @ Riverhead Sept2019

The Marine Photographer’s Eye, Benjamin Mendlowitz – OCH Video Featuring Kiwi Classic Wooden Boats

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The Marine Photographer’s Eye, Benjamin Mendlowitz – OCH Video Featuring Kiwi Classic Wooden Boats – The best photos of our fleet you will have ever seen!

Today’s story is rather special as the team at offcenterharbor.com have given waitematawoody readers access to their latest video that features woodys from this years Mahurangi Regatta. The OCH site contains over 500 videos (& 500 articles) that range from boatbuilding, to trimming sails, to a complete course on understanding every aspect of your marine diesel engine. There’s even a 42-part series on how to build a Caledonia Yawl camp cruiser. The collection of videos features mariners and craftspeople at the very top of the boating field, showing exactly how they do things, and which products they use in their work.

One of the OCH founders is Benjamin Mendlowitz who, in my eyes, is the worlds finest photographer of classic wooden boats, this January, Ben and his co-founders escaped the US winter and headed down under. Whilst in NZ their #1 mission was to attended the Mahurangi Regatta and to this end on the Saturday Jason Prew with My Girl & myself with Raindance hosted – Maynard Bray, Benjamin Mendlowitz & Steve Stone for a Regatta photo shoot.

In the 11 minute video, Ben talks us through his day on the water filming woodys. In the opening section when Ben is commenting on our classic fleet he says “I was newly inspired in my photography”. When a photographer with as much experience as Benjamin Mendlowitz says that – that is saying something about our woody fleet. Plus the video is a master class for anyone interested in marine photography.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW AND SIT BACK AND ENJOY + CHECK OUT THE COOL OCH OFFER BELOW

https://www.offcenterharbor.com/videos/marine-photographers-eye-benjamin-mendlowitz-in-new-zealand/ww190523

SPECIAL 50% OFF – LIMITED TIME OFFER

The OCH site is 100 percent membership driven, and they do not accept advertising. Not lining their pockets with advertising enables them to provide OCH members with the unvarnished truth, straight from legendary masters of their craft – without worrying whether they piss off an advertiser 🙂

In addition to allowing WW woodys to view the video at no-charge, they have also put together a one-off subscription offer for WW readers.

They are offering 50% off the annual rate – thats an amazing US$24.50 – BUT woodys be quick it will not last for long + there is a Risk Free Guarantee – try it for a few days, if your not happy they will provide you with a 100% refund. I’m a subscriber – I love the site, I have watched one story probably 10 times.

JUST CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE  

https://www.offcenterharbor.com/join-now-2450-ww/

WHAT YOU GET:

  • FULL ACCESS to everything on the site for 1 full year (including our growing library of over 1,000 videos and articles)
  • Your membership includes three full “how-to-build” video series (80+ videos worth over $500 that you get free)
  • You can get your questions answered in the “comments” section under each video and article
  • Join our community of “off-center” boating enthusiasts around the world

 

 

The Launching of Eileen Patricia – 1933 classic motor boat – 50+ photos

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THE LAUNCHING OF THE CLASSIC WOODEN MOTOR BOAT – EILEEN PATRICIA

It was an early (8.30am) start yesterday morning for the classic woodys that gathered to witness Jenni & Peter Mence re-launching Eileen Patricia at The Milford Slipway (ex Geoff Bagnall yard).
The 1933 Arnold Couldrey designed and built motor launch has just undergone a 4+ year restoration at Marco Scuderi’s – MCN Shipwrights yard.
WW has followed the restoration and the links below will take you back to her early days (as launched) and as ‘rescued / saved’ by Peter, thru to leaving Marco’s yard.
The weather forecast didn’t look good, but as always for classic woody events, the sun shone at the right moments and Eileen Patricia was launched in a style befitting a 86 year old lady – Jazz band + Champagne and scones.
Several guests arrived in period costume and the ‘Best In Show’ ribbon would have to go to Paul Powney who sported an original Auckland Motor Yacht Club blazer (photos below).
A special touch was the attendance of several descendants of Eileen Patricai’s builder A. Couldrey.
Links to older WW Stories on Eileen Patricia
The Big Event Launching Video (turn up the volume, nice music)

 

Two of our finest woodies My Girl and Pacific were on hand to escort Eileen Patricia out of the marina and home to her new marina.
Best In Show Ribbon Winner 

 

Update – video footage of Eileen Patricia underway just after launching. Ex Nathan Herbert.

Update2 – Link below to the restoration – amazing collection / essay of the total restoration – a must view

https://www.mcnshipwrights.com/eileen-patricia.html

Update3  – Video of Pacific, Eileen Patricia and My Girl leaving the Milford Marina / creek. Sent in by Paul Powney.

CYA Double Banger – Riverhead Launch Cruise + Vintage & Veterans Yacht Race

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My Girl

Little JimA16 + Raindance
Oke Bay
Summer Wine
Monterey
Manapouri + Altair
Manapouri
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(F) Volantis (R) Altair + Tasman Star + Nana

 

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My Girl + Raindance

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Monterey, Te Arahi, Altair, Manapouri

CYA Double Banger – Riverhead Launch Cruise + Vintage & Veterans Yacht Race

While mooching around under the Harbour Bridge waiting for the launch stragglers , I snapped a few photos of the yacht fleet tuning up for the start of the annual Vintage & Veterans yacht race – Photos below
The weather for the launch cruise was almost ideal, after we had arrived at the Riverhead Tavern and had planted ourselves in the bar, the rain started, so while we by dinning and chatting – the old girls got a fresh water wash down – perfect.
A good turn out for late in the season – 16 woodys – made up of 12 CYA members and 4 woodys that joined us for the day. I convinced one to join, but Jason Prew tells me I need to improve on my 25% conversion rate 🙂
Nice to catch up with those that made the trip by motorcar.
As always the food was excellent, just a wee hick-up with a power oops slowed the service down a tad but all good.
Sorry if I missed your woody with my camera – the fleet were very spaced out, so arrive times didn’t suit the need to sustenance 😉
As always, click photos to enlarge.
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Rawhiti A2 + Rainbow A7 + Waitangi A6

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Rainbow A7 + Rawhiti A2 + Ariki A3 + Little Jim A16
Rainbow A7 + Waitangi A6
Spray II. 725
Katrina II. K100
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Little Jim A16

Photos below of Thelma sent in by Simon Smith

Woody Waiheke BBQ

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Not sure what these two were up too but the t-shirt gets the WW of approval

Woody Waiheke BBQ

Saturday (30/03/2019) saw a group of hardy, the barometer was not saying summer, CYA members gather in Putiki Bay, Waiheke Island for a post CYA yacht race BBQ. The photos have been enhanced, it wasn’t quite that sunny 🙂

The bay filled up with a good collection of woody yachts and launches. The CYA committee even put on a band – well done guys.
Special thanks to Chris Sadler for the use of his launch – Moeraki as the start boat for the yacht race. Moeraki is a very smart looking woody, I have always admired her – great to see her out on the Waitemata. You can read / see more on her here (lots in the comments section).  https://waitematawoodys.com/2014/03/26/mystery-launch-26032014/
Woody launches in the bay included – My Girl, Lucille, Waimea, Puawai, Lucinda, Matuku, Summer Wine, Wirihana and Mahanui – some I suspect were moored there.
Special thanks to Jason Prew and Mark Edmonds for the (phone) photos.
As a special treat for the skipper of Lucille – I have include the youtube video below 😉

LADY KARITA – A Rolling Restoration

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LADY KARITA – A Rolling Restoration

Lady K has been on the receiving end of what we call a rolling restoration for the last year+. Now based in the upper South Island, her owner Murray Shaw is very close to finishing a stunning re-fit. The photos above are from the camera’s of both Murray & mutal friend, John Burland & give us a peek at the standard of the work.

The last photos show Lady K relocated last week to the western entrance of Mapua Harbour.

You can read / view more on LadyK at the WW link below-

Lady Karita

MY GIRL TRIP LOG
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I apologise upfront, clicking the link below will consume 30>45 minutes of your time today – but its a great read & Jason’s log includes some cool photos of his travels & lots of other woodys encounter along the way.
 
 
DEVONPORT FERRY Co. PROMOTIONAL FILM c.1920’s
In case you missed this 1920’s b/w video showcasing life on Auckland’s North Shore, I have included the link below. Lots of blasts from the past there – enjoy
 

https://www.facebook.com/markety.mark.92/videos/377063966386661/

A Classic Wooden Boat Cruise to The Bay of Islands & Whangaroa 

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A Classic Wooden Boat Cruise to The Bay of Islands & Whangaroa 
Two of the driving forces behind the NZ Classic Yacht Association, Jason Prew (Deputy Chairman) & Nathan Herbert (Launch Captain) spearheaded a summer cruise of classic Woodys up the northland coast to the Bay of Islands & Whangaroa Harbour.
Both Jason’s launch – My Girl & Nathan’s – Pacific have been well featured on their facebook pages but in case you missed it, I have included below a link to Jason’s fb, from which you can click thru to Nathan’s.
The photos above we sent to me by BOI based woody & professional photographer Dean Wright, taken early morning on 30-12-2018 in Opito . As always from Dean stunning photos.
The two below are from Jason Prew – & show the two woodys at anchor, early morning in Whangaroa Harbour.
Enjoy.

Check out the Xmas / NY travels here: 

My Girl – Jason Prew & Pacific – Nathan Herbert
my girl whangaroa jan 2019
pacific whangaroa jan 2019
WIN A COPY OF PETER PEAL’S BOOK – THOUGHTS ON CLINKER LAPSTRAKE DINGHY CONSTRUCTION

 

The first woody* to email me the correct answers to the following two questions, will win a copy of the above 108 page book. NOTE: Entry only by email to:
waitematawoodys@gmail.com
Q1 – What item seen in the above photo/s connects the two classic launches?
Q2 – Name the person behind the connection?
If you do not win – grab a copy from Boat Books in Westhaven (also on-line)
*(skippers & associated hangers-on of the 2 boats, are excluded from entering, and before anyone asks – I decide who is a hanger-on)
AND THE WINNER IS SIMON ADAMS
Correct answers were:
1. Lapstrake dinghy’s (tenders)
2. Brooke Family (one built by Jack & the other by Robert)

Merry Christmas Woodys

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MERRY CHRISTMAS WOODYS
Wishing you all a safe and Merry Christmas and happy New Year, hopefully you will get to spend some time with your family / love ones and ideally in your happy place – where ever that may be.
Remember – a wave or a smile and the words “ good morning” costs nothing and we have no idea what’s going on in other peoples lives, you simply being nice to someone, might make a big difference to their day. Try it – it works 😉
A know quite a lot of you will be finding a WW t-shirt under the Christmas tree this morning, I’m touched that so many of you want to be part of our amazingly cool wooden boating community. On a personal note, I have rubbed shoulders with a lot of you this year and I never cease to be amazed by your friendship and generosity. The feedback and input I get from people is what keeps me motivated to write a new woody story everyday. To those that have sent in stories and photos, I thank you for sharing them with us, without you WW would not be what it is today – 4,100,000+ views.
2018 was a great year for the wooden boating movement and the future looks even better, with more and more vessels either being restored or ear-marked for restoration at a later date.
The real important thing is to use these old girls – varnishing and polishing the bronze can wait – just get out there and enjoy yourself.
It is my intention these holidays, technology and wifi access allowing, to keep publishing the daily waitematawoodys stories. But if for some reason I miss a day, just check in again the next day.
I ask that if you see anything woody related over the festive period you take a photo and send it in to   waitematawoodys@gmail.com  I’m always looking for content.
My Favourite Photo From 2018? – well its several photos and a video. The blood sweat & tears that went into the rebuild of Jason Prew’s launch – My Girl was unbelievable, then to see her sitting alongside Nathan Herbert’s freshly re-fitted Pacific on the slip at Milford Cruising Club was very special – the video below says it all, a very happy woody.
Enjoy 🙂
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Raindance turned 90 this year and I opened up the wallet – some serious TCL in terms of the deck, tram top & doghouse + new canopy + stove + electric dunny and holding tank / electric pump upgraded, and lots of other bits & pieces that most would not pick up but were bugging me from day one of ownership. RD & myself will miss Geoff Bagnall when he closes the yard doors in late January – he has been very good to RD & I enjoy his banter 🙂

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The Rudder Cup From Up High

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The Rudder Cup From Up High

It is only been a week since the Rudder Cup Launch race but it was such a cool woody event that when the above photos arrived from Sally Teesdale I couldn’t help doing another WW post.

Sally was up North Head, Devonport with the camera & captured the fleet rounding North Head heading north.
As always – click the photos to enlarge. (I have cropped / colour enhanced the photos – the weather was a tad bleak?)