The culmination of 5 years work to repurpose the Kate is about to be realised! The stepping of the mast is perhaps the most significant development of this project to date;  Once fully rigged, the perception of how the public view her will change dramatically.  We are at the point of realising Bernard Rhodes’ ambition to get the Kate sailing – this Summer!

We need to raise close to $45,000 to get the Kate  seaworthy and in survey for what the Trust’s ambitions are with Sail Training and Development for the youth on Waiheke Island. Therefore, all the ‘Bells and Whistles’ are about to be presented in a celebration to mark this event.

Anne Simoni, one of the owners of Te Matuku Oysters, is someone clearly passionate about sail training and youth development on the Island and she has put together an amazing event to mark such an auspicious occasion!

372 Restaurant in Onetangi has generously offered to host a garden party on the 20th October between the hours of 4 – 7pm in their rear courtyard – rain or shine!

This event will be MC’d by that ‘master’ of ceremonies – John Hawkesby who himself has donated various wines from his collection for the live auction.  Other auction items include;

  • Classic 8’ Clinker dinghy donated by Graham Guthrie Value $800
  • Cashmere Stole donated by The Cashmere Company Value $800
  • Catered Cruise on M.V. Kawe for eight people, donated by owners Paul Macintosh, Baz Hastings and Neil Culley Value $3,500
  • By Sea Excursion donated by Grant Crawford Value $1,000
  • There will be a Raffle drawn at 6:45 for a $200 cash prize and, Two vouchers for cooking classes with Chef Paulie Hooton from The Seafood School at the Auckland Fish Market Value $300  Tickets for the Raffle are 3 for $50.

Tickets are limited to 60 guests so you’d better get in quick if you want to get yourself entry to this most nautical of occasions! Tickets are $100 each and include two drinks, canapés – including freshly shucked Te Matuku Oysters, followed by dessert.

Tickets are available by direct debit to Waiheke Working Sail Charitable Trust:

  • KiwiBank Account 38-9014-0889139-00
  • Enter ‘Kate 372’ and your name in the reference field.
  • For more information check out: www.waihekeworkingsail.org
  • Sunday 20th October – 4pm to 7pm
  • Please use garden entrance on 3rd Avenue

Look forward to seeing you there!

Photo of Three Seven Two fundraiser courtesy Peter Rees Photography

Let’s get her Sailing this Summer!