Super Launch for Golden Bay

The launching of a new vessel always creates interest, but none has created more than the Waimarie, launched at the Waitapu wharf, Takaka, recently. A crowd of about 500 was on hand to see the sleek 47ft cruiser christened and blessed. Why all the interest? Well, firstly because of its size and beauty, but mainly because many Golden Bay folk wanted to be on hand to see the fruits of Allan Harwood's 2½ years' labour in her rightful place - the water. To build this lovely vessel, Allan selected and felled the trees he wanted and rebuilt the family mill to cut and dress his timber. Getting her to the wharf was another herculean task, accomplished when he made an all-steel trailer 31ft long and weighing about 2 ton. Allan had some help in building the Waimarie - from his son Donald, and from Mary Miller, who has supplied us with several of the photographs used. Our congratulations to all concerned on a beautiful launch. (Pix on this page by Frank Lewis).

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Shortly after the launching

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Getting the Waimarie the six miles to the wharf