23/09/2023
Planning the future for the Kate
It’s been 10 years since the Waiheke Working Sail Charitable Trust took over custody of the Kate, as she lay derelict on the beach at the Causeway.
Built in 1898, she is one of only four of the once-common trading cutters still in existence, strongly-built workboats that were vital transport from the 1840s to around 1910, the ultimate development of working sail. She was worth saving for her heritage value, and I figured that with careful design she could be re-purposed as a sail training ship for the youth of the island.
After a long haul, much delayed by lack of finance and obstructive bureaucracy, now at last the restoration and conversion can be considered ‘finished’.
With the help of two apprentices, Tom and Joe Foster-Christie, the hull has been extensively repaired with new frames and planking as necessary. The stern has been re-built, a ‘scuttle’ forehatch and an aft cabin added, new hatches and skylights, mast and spars from trees grown on the island. An external lead ballast keel was added to improve stability. Both boys have completed their 5 years of apprenticeship.
Many people contributed time and gear. In particular, thanks to David Simmons a solar-powered electrical system was installed, and to Lance Crosland for the plumbing and gas stove installation. Sailmaker Dave Giddens generously donated a suit of sails, and Mike Delamore took the lead on installing a new 30 hp engine with a feathering propeller.
Sailing trials are complete, and what a joy it is to feel the old ship come alive under sail again after 112 years as a power boat!
Twice we ’ve been to the Mahurangi Regatta, the great annual gathering of traditional boats. Grand adventures, the second time we were awarded the Old Gaffers Bell trophy.
For me it has been an enormous privilege and pleasure to be able, along with many friends, to be of service to the community.
Invitation to sail.
She’s ready to go, so it’s time to plan for the future, to explore how best to use her. The original plan was to have her certified by Maritime New Zealand for commercial use, but over the years this has become much more difficult and expensive. It would only be justified if we could afford to pay a skipper / manager to operate her full-time, through the summer, and this would need a quantum leap in our funding.
Many of the requirements for certification make sense for improved safety, and we intend to comply with these as far as possible. In particular we are creating a Safe Operations Manual, a living document to guide skippers that is being compiled and updated in the light of experience.
Meanwhile we can operate her non-commercially as a classic yacht, day-sailing to train a core of experienced skippers, mates and able-seapeople, becoming familiar with the traditional gaff rig, learning how she handles under sail and power. If you’re interested in crewing, please get in touch. We already have a few younger people learning the ropes, and would like to get to know any more who may be interested.
For myself, I ’ve just turned 80 and find I have to slow down. I want to keep doing what I can, but it’s a matter of succession. Who would like to take over?
Maintenance.
Painting, varnishing, oiling the trim and rigging are pleasant ongoing tasks when the weather permits, and an annual haul-out is necessary for antifouling and hull maintenance, so we’re on the lookout for anyone with experience to volunteer with sailing and helping out. We’re able to teach these skills to one or two youngsters at a time.
Funding.
Well-known marine artist David Barker came on board with a magnificent painting depicting The Kate under sail, outward bound. We undertook to sell 100 high quality prints, numbered and signed by the artist at $225 each, the numbers to go into a draw, the prize being the original painting. Unfortunately we only managed to sell 60, the market at the time being saturated. We still have 15 prints numbered and signed, and we’re planning a final push before holding the draw at an event to be notified and advertised.
We’re planning a fundraising Boat Gear Jumble Sale at the Boating Club on the Saturday of Labour weekend, 21st October, your chance to donate those bits and pieces of unwanted gear. Bring it on the day, with a suggested $20 to cover the dumping cost of whatever doesn’t sell.
The Kate belongs to the community of Waiheke. Hundreds of people have donated, several of them very substantially. We are also grateful to the Local Board, Rotary, COGS, Placemakers, Burnsco, Half Moon Bay Electrical and the Waiheke Boating Club for their ongoing help and support, keeping our heritage alive for the next generation.
Our website www.waihekeworkingsail.org, has a Give a Little button, our email is [email protected].
By Bernard Rhodes.
Preserving the history and tradition of sailing in the Hauraki Gulf
