Down to the Sea-at Last

In the last six years, we have twice published a photo story of what must rank as the most mammoth boat-building task ever undertaken in Nelson. Last month we took these photographs to complete what will most likely be the last chapter in this saga of patience and skill. The focal point on these three occasions was the 57ft. ketchrigged motor sailer yacht built by Mr Jack Baigent in a hut in Quarantine Road. When he began the yacht eight years ago, Jack was undoubtedly looking to the day when its timbers would taste salt water. That day came on April 11,1970, after a short journey by huge trailer to the beach at the end of Parkers Road. It was a journey fraught with some danger. The difficult Quarantine-Bolt roads intersection had to be negotiated; there was a possibility of more of the high winds that had plagued Nelson in recent weeks, and there was the last leg of the journey from the road, across the sand and into the sea. All went according to plan, the only hitch being a blowout in one of the trailer tyres towards the end of Parkers Road. The 24-ton yacht was launched without its 8-ton keel and sailed under power to Port Nelson where the masts will be stepped and final work completed. The yacht has yet to be named.