Peter Meffan's "AmitiÉ II" Takes To The Sea

With all the skill one would expect of one of his profession, Nelson surgeon Peter Meffan has built his 38ft yacht "Amitié II."

One look at this fine craft is sufficient indication that she has been assembled with care. Closer examination reveals she is the result of painstaking thoroughness.

From the tip of her Canadian spruce mast to the bottom of the three-and-a-quarter ton lead keel, "Amitié II" is a picture of perfection.

And yet her owner, Peter Meffan, is almost nonchalant about the four-and-a-half years of spare time labour which went into the construction. But there is no doubting the tinge of pride which inflects his voice when he speaks of the yacht's capabilities and potential.

"Amitié II" is a cruising yacht designed by Laurent Giles of Lymington, England. She is built of kauri planking on spotted gum (and Australian hardwood) ribs and spruce stringers.