Tag Archives: Rakino Island

CLASSIC BAY OF ISLNDS FERRY – BAY BELLE GETS A NEW LIFE

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2024

CLASSIC BAY OF ISLNDS FERRY – BAY BELLE GETS A NEW LIFE

If you’re  on fb I’m sure you would have seen the amazing project Kate Farrant has taken on board – refitting the old (1971>2011) Russell > Pahia ferry into a floating pizzeria. Kate and helpers has spent the past year restoring the 57’, built in 1960 by Deemings Bros – BAY BELLE and recently relaunched her. Link below to a Jan 2024 story from when she was 4sale, lots of photos https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/01/28/bay-belle-party-boat/

At this stage the plan is to base the pizzeria at Rakino Island this summer. And before you comment that there is already one ashore in Woody Bay, the superb pizzeria run by Alf Newton sadly closed permanently at the end of summer 2025. As I have mentioned on WW they were the best pizzas in Auckland.  So its exciting news to learn of Kate’s enterprise – but, big shoes to fill to equal Alf’s creations 🙂

WW has been contacted by a friend of Kate’s Josh Chapman who is in the process of documenting (video) Kate and BAY BELLE’s story and is keen to learn more about the boat’s history. Josh has made a short video to give us a sneak peek at the project.

So woody if you have any information on BAY BELLE, or know of anyone who was involved in building her back in the early 1960s?  leads to former crew, builders, or families connected to her history Josh would like to hear from you – joshchaps78@gmail.com

When Kate’s finished the fit out and up and running we will let you know. I can see a Classic Woodys Cruise to Rakino to celebrate the launch of summer 😉

And below is a reminder of how good Alf Newton’s woody Bay Pizzeria was – make sure you play the video – enjoy https://waitematawoodys.com/2021/01/08/surprise-and-delight-on-rakino-island/

rsvp – waitematawoodys@gmail.com

WOODY BAY LIVING UP TO ITS REPUTATION AS A WOODYS MAGNET

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Centaurus
Rehia
Waimiga
Waiari

WOODY BAY LIVING UP TO ITS REPUTATION AS A WOODYS MAGNET

Todays photos came to us ex Angus Rogers, aboard Centaurus while anchored in Woody Bay, RAKINO ISLAND.                                  Its a stunning location and no doubt the world famous on WW wood fired pizza at the Woody Bay Pizzeria help attract such an impressive collection of classic wooden launches.

Above from top to bottom we have  Centaurus (1967/8 Bailey & Sons) > Rehia (1939 Colin Wild) > Waimiga (1968 Chris Robertson)  > and Waiari (1962 Owen Woolley).

Input From Joe Telford aboard – Rehia – the rather large, majestic Lidard – Ngaro underway and the ex whale chaser Primadonna at anchor in Woody Bay.

Primadonna

YESTERDAYS MYSTERY LAUNCH QUIZ WINNER IS – Darrin Kennedy. In fact the only one that got both the launch name and location correct. Launch is the 1949 Lidgard built – Kiwitea. Seen in the photo being relaunched at Stillwater Boating Club, after her recent re-power. Well done Darrin 🙂

EMAIL – jasep@me.com

CLASSIC WOODYS CRUISING THE HAURAKI GULF – SUMMER 2023/24

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CLASSIC WOODYS CRUISING THE HAURAKI GULF – SUMMER 2023/24

Now todays post is the one you have been waiting on – the classic wooden (mostly) craft that I spotted around the Hauraki Gulf over the Dec 27 > Jan 5th period.

Probably the best turn out of woodys that I have seen – seems it just wasn’t me suffering from cabin fever 🙂

As always some photos are good, some not so good – direction of sun and distance dictates that. Mostly I’m taking photos as a visual account.

Enjoy the gallery – broken into locations – I have endeavoured to list the craft in the tagged section.

AS ALWAYS CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

If you have any good photos, send them in to waitematawoodys@gmail.com

RAKINO ISLAND

KAWAU ISLAND

WAIHEKE ISLAND

OUT & ABOUT – on route

CLASSIC WOODEN MOTORBOAT RAINDANCE – SUMMER 2023/24 – TRIP REPORT

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CLASSIC WOODEN MOTORBOAT RAINDANCE – SUMMER 2023/24 – TRIP REPORT

With 2023 being the worst boating year that I can recall, whilst I held high hopes I also was semi expecting another fizzer – well as most of you will know the Christmas – NY period turned out to be a winner for those that slipped the lines and headed away. Other than New Years eve being very wet (but warm) we enjoyed great launch cruising conditions. Not always perfect but if you picked a spot that suited the wind and travelled at times when conditions were settled it was never unpleasant. I put my faith in PredictWind and they delivered. 

We left the marina on the 27th Dec. and chose Woody Bay, RAKINO ISLAND for Night One. Sundown drinks aboard Jenny and Angus Rogers stunning classic launch – Centaurus. Stunning sunset (as above)

Day Two was also spent in Woody Day as the wind had picked up, but very sheltered in the bay + the call had gone out for pizza from the islands Woody Bay Pizzeria, truely the best pizza’s I have eaten. 

Day Three we moved around the corner to West Bay as the forecast had a W in it which isn’t normally a good thing at Rakino – very quiet in the bay so again secured a good spot and sent Day Three and Four there.

Morning of the 30th, Day Four was decision time – head north to KAWAU ISLAND or south to WAIHEKE ISLAND – forecast was turning south so WAIHEKE was probably the better call but me stuck with the original plan and head to KAWAU, Raindance is at her best when everything on the nose so it was an ok passage. We choose to anchor for the day / night in Bostaquet Bay , a first for me, and can report a very nice anchorage and again very few boats.

Day Five (31st) we headed over to Bon Accord Harbour and took up residence on one of the RNZYS club moorings just off Lidgard House in Smelter House Bay. Plan was NYE at the recently refurbished and re-opened Kawau Boating Club. Slight problem, the power had been off on the island for 24+ hours so club closed 😦

As we relaxed onboard several helicopters were flying overhead with all manner of kit dangling below – ladders, tool boxes etc – Around 3pm power returned and thank god the back up generator had kept the beer frig working 🙂 . But the rain arrived and continued non-stop most of the night. KBC appeared to get well supported but people tended to come ashore for a meal and retreat to the boat.

Day Six was a lazy day mooching around the island and back to the mooring + KBC

Day Seven we head south to WAIHEKE ISLAND and spent the day in Oneroa re provisioning and hosting some friends from Devonport for drinks, then catching up with Waiheke friends ashore.

Day Eight a lazy day exploring WAIHEKE and moved to Hekerua Bay for the evening. I crossed the dark side and had drinks onboard another friends new non wood boat – putting aside the construction it was very grand (ice maker + water maker – 200L a day) our pup was very taken with the ability to do 360° laps of the boat.

The plan was to head down to the ‘bottom end’ the next day but the forecast included a H & a E so the decision was made to head home after another lazy day, on Day Nine. 

The trip restored my faith in owner a boat and helped make 2023 a distant memory.

There is so many photos that I have divided the trip report into two sections, Part One = the trip and Part Two (tomorrow) = the classic boats that were out and about. Todays story is broken up by location – ENJOY

(And sorry for the lengthy, slightly over-the-top title but there are key words that do wonders for the overseas search engines)

RAKINO ISLAND 🔻

KAWAU ISLAND – Bostaquet Bay 🔻

KAWAU ISLAND – Smelter House Bay 🔻

KAWAU ISLAND – Kawau Boating Club 🔻

WAIHEKE ISLAND 🔻

Have To Include One Of Raindance

It’s A Tough Job But Someone Has To Do It

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Cabin heater fogging up windows 🙂
West Bay, Rakino Island
Drone filming crew
There is always food
Beer O’Clock
Photo ex Mark Smith

21-09-2023 UPDATE – Can now show what the day was all about. A fashion shoot for the new WORKING STYLE summer range – click this link to view video from the day https://www.workingstyle.co.nz/

Also below more images from the day (click to enlarge)

It’s A Tough Job But Someone Has To Do It

All week we were scanning all the weather apps looking for that ‘magic’ day to schedule a fashion photo shoot afloat. The 1947 Colin Wild built motor launch – Lady Crossley was on stand-by, all buffed up from her recent round of TLC in Opua in the far north. The model was flying in from the UK so come Tuesday the call was made for Friday, and what a call – best day of the year – blue sky, flat seas, norther boats in the bay and the prefect light for photography.

Come 6am skipper Jamie Hudson and myself were drying LC off and at 7am we were heading to West Bay at Rakino Island. 

I’ll let the photos tell the story but Lady Crossley was the perfect catwalk for the shoot. 

More on LC here https://waitematawoodys.com/2020/01/14/a-woody-trip-up-the-coast/

ENJOY 🙂

Woody Classic Gatherings

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WOODY CLASSIC BOATING 2022 – 2023 CALENDAR
Time to get the pencil out and circle a few dates in the calendar. Our 2022 > 2023 classic woody events focus equally on the boats and the people – its all about getting off the marina and meeting up with like minded people.
As always, some dates may change and the weather is always a factor – but as the dates approach we will be in touch with more details.

Please feel free to share the calendar with your classic friendly boating enthusiasts. Where tide and draft permits – woody cruising yachts are always welcome to join in, so also share with the stick and rag woodys 🙂

AND TO ENSURE YOU GET A WOODY FIX TODAY – CLICK THE LINK BELOW  Video footage from the 2022 Moreton Bay Classic (thank you Andrew Christie)

Workboat Wednesday + Garage Sale

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Starlight 1984 @ Woody Bay Rakino Island

WORKBOAT WEDNESDAY

I was sent the above photo by Gary Stanborough whose family owned the 32’ Des Townson designed and built yacht Starlight from 1978 to 2016, so any other namesake boats would always catch our attention.

Gary took the photo in 1984 in Woody Bay, Rakino Island but knows nothing of the history of this salty looking old timer. She’s tied alongside another fishing boat. Does anyone know of her past or what’s become of her? Reg # is AK14333.

A great example of the amazing work the Rakino Island residents have been doing on the planting front. 

LOCK-DOWN GARAGE SALE

One of our followers is using the enforced lock-down to clean out a home workshop.There are a few bits and pieces up for grabs and a project boat that never got finished, but it’s very close to being done though. It looks to be around 14ft, and a sailing and rowing skiff. Design is called a Phoenix 3. Comes with a rig and centre board but not the trailer. Offers around $500 will see the boat oft a new owner.Plus a woodworkers tool cabinet & a few misc. tools
Drop me an email if you are interested waitematawoodys@waitematawoodys

Woody Summer Boating Cruise

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Rakino Island (West Bay on left – Woody Bay on right)
Raindance & Morgana
West Bay, Rakino Island
Marise
Woody Bay Pizzeria – Rakino Island

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ON RAKINO ISLAND – click to play – the singer, Jennie Cruse is Auckland based and available for hire – 021 266 4330

Liberty
Windhaven II
Marise
Manuroa
Waiari
Raindance @ Garden Cove

GARDEN COVE – 360 deg Video – click to play

WOODY SUMMER BOATING CRUISE
The WW story today is a photo gallery from the 2020/21 holiday period cruise on Raindance, the photos are not always that sharp, it was more like “look there’s one” and I would grab the camera and snap a photo. Click on the smaller photos to enlarge 😉


We mostly mooched around Waiheke and Rakino Islands – had 11 great days afloat, a little blowie at times but tucking away in the right spot with a good book was just what the doctor ordered. Only had 2 hours rain on one day, so can not complain. General observation was that it was quiet in most of the bays. I understand Great Barrier Island was very popular.As always there are a few food pix to break things up. The discovery of a pop-up pizzeria in Woody Bay, Rakino was the culinary highlight of the cruise 🙂


Thanks to help from several woodys sending in photos, we were able to continue the WW stories everyday over the holiday period and the viewing / reading numbers were strong thru-out. I think that one of the few positives from CV-19 is that a lot more people have either upgraded their digital devices or are now more tech savvy and are on-line more often.

Enjoy the photos – the next big woody event will be the Auckland Anniversary long weekend at Mahurangi.

https://waitematawoodys.com/2019/12/01/wooden-boat-bureau-advice-for-buyers-and-sellers/

Surprise and Delight on Rakino Island

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Surprise and Delight on Rakino Island
On Wednesday afternoon we made the call to remain in Woody Bay, Rakino Island, even though the forecast was for a swing to the SW, well that happened but it did luckily die off later in the evening. Our weather call was rewarded when we went ashore late avo to take the dog for a pee – we spotted a sign that promoted a pop-up pizza shack, just up from the beach. For the overseas WW readers – Rakino is off the grid e.g. no power, water, sewage, no shops etc and a very irregular ferry – sometimes only once a week. Situated in the Hauraki Gulf.

We decided to give the steaks to the dog and went ashore at 6pm. The place was humming, not many boat people (given the weather) but the locals were out in force. Which is always a good sign. The surprise was discovering the place – the delight was the pizzas were a 9/10 and there was a live soloist entertaining the crowd – lots of Nancy Sinatra songs, so an instant hit with me 🙂 See video below. The singer, Jennie Cruse is Auckland based and available for hire – 021 266 4330

Its open daily until Jan 24th and then from Jan 25 > April 5th its – Fri/Sat/Sun. So woodys if you are at Rakino or are looking for a great location to cruise to – check out the ‘Woody Bay Pizzeria’. I can see a potential – Woodys Classic Weekend Cruise on the horizon.
The ‘carpark’ is a hoot – no Audis or BMWs here 🙂

Man Sets Launch On Fire – Wairangi
I was sent the link below by my friend John Burland to a story by Tim Newman that surfaced on the STUFF website.  Sounds like a relationship that went west and one party sadly took revenge. Have a read. My question is – is the boat in the article – Wairangi, the same boat in this WW story? https://waitematawoodys.com/2016/10/10/22920/  I know the STUFF article says the boat was 7m long, but in the photos below it looks bigger than that. Any Southern woodys able to enlighten us?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/123874234/man-sets-boat-on-fire-after-latenight-argument

Classic Wooden Boats on the Waitemata

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Raindance
Poco Lento
Poco Lento

Maristella
?

P1070483

Moana

P1070487

Quo Vadis

Asereht
Bon Voyage
Proteus

P1070503

Miss Helen

IMG_3687

_1070522

P1070538

My Girl

P1070539

waitematawoody poster boy

_1070550

P1070573

Pleasure Lady

CLASSIC WOODEN BOATS ON THE WAITEMATA
Last weekend we decided to slipped away to Rakino Island, and in an almost unheard of event, we departed early and dropped the anchor in West Bay at 9.30am.
On route and in and around the Island we spotted a healthy collection of woodys. Some familiar faces and some newbies. Scroll over photos for captions
The sunset on Saturday night was a stunner. When I popped the head out of the hatch on Sunday morning, I did a double take – a very large cruise ship was sliding down the Rakino Channel, spotted again later in the day off Waiheke Island.
Enjoy the photos – can anyone tell us more about the launches – Asereht, Bon Voyage, Poco Lento ?
Input from Geoff Bagnall – Asereht was built by himself and Bon Voyage by Dave Jackson.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR THIS WEEKENDS WOODY ACTIVITY 
SATURDAY 25 JAN
Mahurangi Regatta Classic Launch Parade (meeting at 10.15am off Scotts Landing – parade will be in alpha order)
SUNDAY 26 JAN
Most likely mooching around Kawau Island area
MONDAY 27 JAN

Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta – Classic Launch Race