Flotsam & Jetsam 29.05.26
Larry’s Latest Ep.
In Episode 15, Larry Eastwood explores the history of the Logan fleet before detailing the complex construction of the Petrel cockpit. This restoration process includes laminating combing, fitting ceiling boards, and applying glass reinforcement to the floor, all while overcoming intricate joinery challenges.
And That's A Wrap, People!
Tight racing on Vintage and Veteran Day —Rainbow & Rawhiti setting a cracking pace
The CYANZ Autumn Newsletter is out now.
What a season it’s been! We were served the full buffet of weather — from dreamy light breezes to “hold onto your hats” conditions that occasionally forced cancellations. Did we grumble? Absolutely not. We simply dusted ourselves off, hoisted the sails, and got on with it in true classic style.
Plank-on-Frame Lobster Boat
I’m not a big fan of the “Off Centre Harbor” model for producing traditional maritime content. There is something that grates when they are advocating for craft and connection to the analogue world at the same time as creating paywalls and bombarding those who don’t sign up with spam.
Having said all that, I guess the funding they do get from their subscribers allows them to produce some great content like this latest offering. It interesting to compare a boat like this to the boats coming out of the Wooden Boatshop in Sorrento. Relying on donations and giving full and free access makes it harder for us… but it makes me feel better!
24ft of SERENITY
We have always been a sucker for a Lyle Hess design ever since we were invited to go sailing with Lin and Larry Pardy in Auckland around the turn of the century. And when I used to sail out of RYCV I used to walk past Andrew Wilson’s HEATHER BELLE every time I visited the boat and say to myself… “I could be happy with one like that”
So its was with interest that I watched the FOR SALE video on the Smithy’s Boatshed YouTube Channel. SERENITY is on the market in Sydney, but the video is worth a watch even if you are not in the market for a small gaff cutter.
More MAFALDA History
Do you remember the two articles we published about MAFALDA back in 2022 and 2023?
She was custom designed as a cray fishing sail boat and remained cray fishing until 1970, including a stint in the Abrohlos Islandsin the 1960’s
Well this week, we received this lovely comment from Steve Casserly filling in a few of the gaps.
My father, Eddie Casserly and my pop, Peter Casserly purchased Mafalda in the late 1970's. Pop was a Fremantle fisherman also fishing out of Lancelin, Jurien Bay and Hamlin Bay (long line and crayfishing) over many years. Pop was also one the founders of the Fremantle Fisherman's Coop. Dad and Pop sailed Mafalda down to Mandurah; Pop was in his 80's!
Mafalda was dry docked at the Western Foreshore Shipyards in Mandurah for several months being overhauled (stripped back, painted, engine overhaul). Dad, Pop and the family all spent time helping out with the refit.
Once the work had finished, Mafalda was moored at Dolphin Pool, behind the Peninsular Hotel, now Dolphin Marina. Dad used to take us out on the river and then out to the ocean under sail. I can remember informally racing the Mandurah Yatch Club's boats as they came past.
Unfortunately, Dad passed away in '84 with mesothelioma and mum sold Mafalda to, I think the original family? I could be wrong. However it was wonderful to be part of Mafalda's history.
I have several photos of Mafalda if you are interested?
If anyone has an update on what’s happened to MAFALDA since 2023 then we’d love to know?