Boats of Other Days

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 206, 19 November 1927, Page 10

Boats of Other Days

Memories and Mile Marks A fascinating story of development of pleasure sailing on Auckland waters may be compressed into the history of the pastime. The origin of the sport dates back to its crude beginning in IS4I, though it was not until 38 years later that the senior yacht club in New Zealand was formed, with the title of the Auckland Yacht Club, which was given the Royal prefix in 1902. It is now known as the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and is supported in its activities by thirteen other yacht and power-boat clubs. From the first Aucklanders devoted keen attention to the construction of racing craft. Of course, the initial regatta in Governor Hobson's day was a crude, if hearty, introduction of the sport. The rough inspiration given by the shaggy whalers and the handy men of Queen Victoria’s warships soon opened the way to the appearance of graceful and competent craft. The need for better boats promoted the establishment of organised schools and quickened the resourcefulness of shipbuilders. PIONEER CONSTRUCTION Even in the pioneering days the development in construction of racing keels became a marked feature of waterfront progress. Henry Niccol came to Auckland as far back as 1844 and made a name for himself with the building of many fast cutters and schooners. One of the first big racing yachts built on the Auckland waterfront was the Secret. She was constructed by Mr. Tom Niccol, a son of the pioneer. She was launched in January, 1875. After racing on the Waitemata the Secret went over to Sydney under her own sail, -thence to Melbourne, where she was regarded as one of the smartest yachts that had graced the waters of Port Phillip. She was the first of the modern type yachts. Tom Niccol also built the Waitangi, 29 tons, for a Melbourne owner. This boat also was sailed to Sydney, where in 1881 she defeated all the NewSouth Wales cracks in a 40-mile race. A FAMOUS SCHOOL Another school was that established by Mr. Charles Bailey, w'ho began as a shipbuilder in Auckland about ISB7 and soon gained fame throughout Australia and New Zealand as a builder of racing yachts and gigs. The famous Daphne, built by Mr. Beddoes in 1873, was designed by Mr. Bailey. She was owned by Messrs. Kissling and Aickin. The Bailey tradition was carried on by Charles Bailey, junr., who has made many contributions to the stately fleet on the Waitemata. His latest production was the Prize, built for Mr. W. P. Endean about two years ago. Mr. Bailey also built the Rona and the Queen March—-craft which have been very promineijt in the competitions for the Jellicoe class. Today another son of the pioneer Bailev is active in building pleasure craft, being a member of the firm of Bailey and Lowe. Then Mr. Weymouth, another of the early builders, built the Absconder, so named because a number of apprentices who ran away from a rival yard helped to build her. Among his many boats was the Mapu, a worthy opponent of the phenomenal Jessie Logan. THE LOGAN TOUCH A distinctive era was inaugurated with the arrival of Robert Logan. In fact, his advent to Auckland synchronised with the beginning of big yacht racing on the Waitemata as we know it to-day. He was from “doon the water by the Broomielaw.” He had been the manager of a shipyard on the Clyde and on coming to Auckland in 1574 brought with him a craftsman’s knowledge of the sweet lines and fair curves for which Fife, the great designer, was later famous. Robert Logan in his pawky way used to assert that the first sight of Auckland Harbour, the Gulf and the Barrier Islands compelled him to believe that he had come to a place that could well be called a yachtsman’s paradise Before actually beginning business as a designer and builder he built the Sarita for Mr. George Niccol. the Lala I. for Mr. A. Buchanan and the Dandy for Mr. Henry Niccol. All of these trim craft were well able to hold their own against all comers. Their graceful lines and sailing qualities shaped and fixed his reputation. About ISSO Mr. Logan built the Lala 11, for Mr. A. Buchanan and about the same time the renowned Jessie Logan was built. She won thirteen first prizes out of fifteen contests and was second in the two others, being defeated on each of these occasions by other Logan built boats, thus proving that the hand of a master craftsman may beat the cunning of his own hand. SOME CRACK BOATS

The Arawa, which was built for Mr. .1 L. R. Bloomfield about 1882, was among the many crack boats turned out by the Logan yards. Then there was the Akarana. which was registered ■ tw of five tons burthen in Auckland. I She was sent across to the Melbourne

Centennial Exhibition Regatta, but because of a different basis of measurement in Australia was rated as a 6£ton vessel. Although compelled to race in the 10 tons and under class the Akarana won the top money. A little later she competed at the Sydney Anniversary Regatta and won the event for the 20 tons and under class, defeating the fast Sydney boat Sirocco. It is interesting to note that the Logan boats, the Rarere and Waitangi, are still well known on the Waitemata.

The homely saying, ‘‘like father, like son,” is notably applicable to the Logan brothers. They followed in their father’s footsteps and were singularly successful in the designing and building of fast yachts. Many graceful boats produced at their yards will be seen on the Waitemata to-day. The Logans are no longer in business as builders. Yachtsmen in reminiscent mood will recall with pleasant memories that among those prominently connected with the sport and who sailed famous boats were Albert Sanford, “Paddy” Gibbs, Tom Henderson, the elder Kissling and J. B. Graham. THE COURSE OF PROGRESS These recollections of other days and renowned boats serve as milemarks along the course of advancement. In the march of development interest in pleasure craft has become divided on yachts and motor-boats. All through the era of development progress has been maintained at a steady pace. Moreover, it, has been maintained at a high standard, so marked in this respect, in fact, that to-day many of the keels in Auckland waters are as good as anything that sails the coastal reaches of other seas. Young Auckland has been cradled in a fine tradition, and when it gets firm on its sea-legs it should take high rank in tile sporting side of nautical life. Famous admirals who have come to these shores have emphasised the wonderful advantages and the noble inspiration nature has given to the sons of Auckland, not only to find pleasure on the sea, but to exercise their love of country and Empire in fitting themselves to take part in the defence of their happy isles.