The News, Culture and Practice of Sailing woodenboats
in Australia, New Zealand & The South Pacific.
Trophies for a four figure sum?
I know that winning races isn’t really what owning a classic yacht is about…. But you have to admit that winning is generally more fun than losing! So when SWS was aproached by The Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron to find a new custodian for HIRONDELLE, the first thing that occured to us was the potential this historic boat has, to earn some serious silverware.
Free to a good home - GLAD TIDINGS
The Tancook Whaler is one of those boats which evolved over many decades to do a particular working job, in this case to fish off the rough coast of Nova Scotia in all weathers and which at the same time took on a shape which is a thing of beauty. They were fast and seaworthy and kept on moorings off the rocky coast all year round.
The Worldwide Classic Boat Show
I’m just about over online events… I’m craving reality. I’m done with “virtual” for the moment…. However, If you’re going to have an online event you might as well do it properly.
Classic Rules for Buying a Boat
I am not a “marine professional” - I’m a pharmacist – but I do know what I like. And I love timber boats. Today, having bought two old timber boats and advised a number of friends, I’ve learned a thing or two about the purchase process and becoming the custodian of a piece of maritime history.
A World Girdling, MAORI LASS (from Tasmania)
It's not often that you come across a seventy year old, 30ft yacht that’s been around the world. The story of MAORI LASS has some great history but it also has some large blank chapters waiting to be filled by a yachting sleuth with the time and inclination to fill in the gaps.
Five under Five
Summer is coming, lockdowns are ending…time to get out on the water one way or another. Based on the theory that the pleasure to be gained from a boat is inversely proportional to its length…. here are five classic little wooden boats, all under 5 meters long, and all currently on the market.
Lyle Hess and HEATHER BELLE
Dreams sometimes overpower reality. Lyle Hess understood that, and he didn’t want one of his wooden boats to be the cause of unhappiness. "I warn people, 'Don't build a boat if it's beyond your means, or if it's going to cause family trouble.
“Big Ack” is Back!
What a great outcome it would be if she could regularly race on Port Phillip, her spiritual home, against her elder sister, providing pleasure not only for a new custodian and her crew, but for all those lucky enough to witness the sight.
PLEASURE PER DOLLAR
Don’t Get Me Wrong. I love a big, glamorous, highly varnished yacht as much as the next person. However the reality is, most of us are attracted to this corner of the maritime world not because we aspire to have cocktails on the aft deck at Les Voiles de St Tropez, but because somewhere deep down, we have a respect for history, traditional craftsmanship and a quest for adventure.
Unknown, Unloved - A Mystery On The Tamar
A rather beautiful boat stands on the hard, on the banks of the Tamar. Unknown, Un-Named and seemingly, Unloved. Can you help us solve the mystery?
The Things you find on Facebook Market Place
In 1973 the 33ft MAKULU was the only German entrant in that years Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Today you can find her on facebook marketplace for sale for $2200 AUD.
Huon Pine! Iconic! and Free! (for the moment!)
Thanks to Jaemie Wilson for telling us about this rare opportunity. CORINNA, Perhaps the only huon pine international Dragon ever built is being offered free to a good home. Her condition is described as “Dilapidated”.
A Special SALAR is for Sale
Salar 40s were designed to be safe, comfortable, and seaworthy, and to travel long distances. ‘A round the world yacht’ was the marketing slogan when the boat was built, and it wasn’t just hot air.
Windward II
I had a quick look at Yachthub to see what else you might find for this price…Nothing against old Beneteaus, but if space and comfort are your priorities then I suggest you stay at home.
Zonja: Lost and Found
A post on Instagram about a Tumlaren prompted a family member to respond and start a trail of connections that led us to a boat that had disappeared for some 20 or more years.
Lady Luck!
This is one of the things we love about old wooden boats…For less than AUD$7000, you can own this incredible piece of history!
A New Custodian for Sunstone?
The famous Sunstone is for sale in Nelson, New Zealand, and for the right custodian she would be the most rewarding combination of form, function and provenance.
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