Tag Archives: Vesper

An Update on the Pollard Fleet

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Rakanui

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Vesper

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Aumoe & Baden Pascoe’s Riley

An Update on the Pollard Fleet

Cameron P recently sent me the above photo of Rakanui being re-launched. There is a great WW story at the link below on her life, click & enjoy.

https://waitematawoodys.com/2017/06/17/rakanui-mona-isle-ii/

Cameron also mentioned that 2018 was the year that Vesper gets her time in the sun & will be getting a lick of paint & a 4LK Gardner installed. Let me know Cameron if you needs some Uroxsys 😉 . Read more on her past on this. link https://waitematawoodys.com/2015/10/30/vesper-2/

He also sent me the photo below with the caption “No point hanging around” – took me a few clues to ID the launch, but when he said ‘100 years old & built in Devonport’, it was easy – photo taken from the rear of Aumoe, the 1913, Tom Le Huquet launch. Zoom zoom is from a Ford diesel. Cameron must have it tricked up to create that turn of speed, certainly faster than in the old days photo. 

View more photos of Aumoe from the 1930/40’s here https://waitematawoodys.com/2013/05/17/aumoe-in-the-1930s-40s/

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Aumoe

Vesper

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VESPER
photos ex Zach Matich & Pam Cundy

Vesper is a rather special Kaipara boat having been in the Matich family for 3 generations. Powered by a 4 cylinder Ford diesel. She appeared on ww back in 2013 but Pam has recently sent me the photos of her hauled out at Pahi.

Maybe Zach can chip in with some more details – builder, year etc?

Harold Kidd Input

VESPER is clearly a “settler’s launch”, one of hundreds built in this exact style by Chas. Bailey Jr in the main, but also by Bailey & Lowe and other Auckland builders. They were in the mould of the launch MILKMAID, built by Chas. Bailey Jr in late 1901 for use on the Hauraki Plains for carrying produce out and supplies and people around the rivers of the district. They were usually around 32ft loa, diagonal built for maximum internal volume and could carry several wool-bales under that tall dee-front cabin top. Many are still soldiering on these days.
In an article in the Northern Advocate of 2nd July 1988 the history of VESPER was discussed, putting her at 1905, which seems about right, and talking about her lengthy ownership by the Matich family on the Kaipara for fishing and towing, and earlier with Capt. A.V. Subritzky as skipper.

Update 17-10-2016 –  photo of Vesper sitting on trailer at Hobsonville Marina, Mon 3rd Oct. Where she was off to was unknown….. ?  photo ex John Wicks

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