Waitangi Day

On significant public holidays I like to do something memorable and outdoorsy to mark the day. Not go shopping or do housework like any other weekend day. It was a good day to launch a boat or two.

Jonty and Ruth with the family in the background

We met at South Brighton domain to launch my dad's two new boats. He is a retired builder who loves making boats in his spare time. We launched 'Innovate' and '4 x 2' (4ft x 2ft) this morning on the incoming tide. All the family gathered for the occasion and most of us had a go in the boats. Simon and Jonty were especially keen to get their hands on the 'seagull' and puttered about for a bit. You could tell dad was a bit nervous inititially but very pleased with the result.

Jonty and Dad + boats

Apparently 'Innovate' has a long line in the water and is great for rowing. He is going to enter her in to some races at the 'Antique and Classic Boat Show' at Lake Rotoiti in March. Another full on family event.

In the In the background you can see the hills of Banks Peninsula. Balmoral hill in the centre




You can see in this photo all the work that has gone in to the shaping of the wood for this boat. To make it dad made the hull first and then shaped the ribs to fit in the shell. It has two sets of rowlicks and a few holes that need plugging. Nicholas is in the boat with Jonty and Ruth...my sister.