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The Kate is under sail again, after 109 years as a working powerboat – towing kauri logs and shingle barges on the Kaipara Harbour, fishing, a family yacht, houseboat, derelict on the beach and the last 7 years of major restoration funded by the community of Waiheke.
She’s a delight to handle. As we’ve got to know her ways we’ve found she’s well balanced, answers readily to the helm, points well into the wind and is surprisingly fast.
In light winds and calms we can row her with a pair of long oars traditional style, or use our big dinghy (gig) with outboard tied alongside.
We look forward to sharing the pleasure of helming her with many young people in the future.
The next step in making her a youth training ship is to install the engine, so we can keep to a schedule. We are committed to a new motor, a 30 hp Beta, and a feathering propeller. The cost is around $22,000 plus the annual refit $2,000. Then there will be the costs of compliance with Maritime New Zealand rules for carrying paying passengers – around $12,000. We are presently working on the preliminary stages of this, the Marine Transport Operator Plan (MTOP), about 70 pages describing how we will operate the vessel safely in all circumstances.
Looking ahead, we are planning more day sails for familiarisation of skippers, mates and crew, and a picnic regatta to thank all our supporters early in the new year.
Our target first overnight cruise is the Mahurangi Regatta and Auckland Anniversary regatta, on the last weekend in January.
Thanks
As the Kate sits on her mooring in the Causeway inlet, fully rigged with topmast and bowsprit, everyone who has contributed can take a quiet pride in helping preserve a valuable part of our heritage. The trustees and committee thank you all sincerely.
In particular, businesses that have contributed are:
- Waiheke Boating Club for their generous support
- Placemakers Waiheke for generous terms
- Tui Plumbing and Gas for plumbing and certified gas stove installation.
- Burnsco for generous terms.
- Altex Paints for generous terms
- Waiheke Shades and Covers for rigging and 3 canvas bunks at cost of materials.
- Paul Walden Waiheke Homes for kauri, a gas stove, tanks and oars ex. Navy whaler.
- Half Moon Bay Electrical for generous terms, and preparing a wiring diagram
- Waiheke Local Board for grants.
- Waiheke Rotary for a grant
- Waiheke RSA for help with apprentice costs
- Te Matuku Oysters for sponsoring a splendid garden party, and all who donated prizes for that event.
Apprentice graduation
Our two apprentices, Tom and Joe Foster-Christie, have made an enormous contribution to the project, often helping out beyond the call of duty, while learning their trade. Joe has recently completed all the set tasks, both practical and theoretical, and graduated as a Boatbuilder.
Congratulations, Joe!
Cheers, Bernard.