This year’s race brought together an extraordinary fleet of classic launches, each with its own story to tell. From century-old masterpieces to mid-century designs that redefined boating norms, the diversity of these vessels shows us the enduring legacy of New Zealand’s boatbuilders and designers.
Take Jeunesse, a Dick Lang design skippered by John Wright, or Lucinda, an 8-metre 1930s Kauri-built beauty crafted by LC Coulthard. These boats are living examples of the artistry and skill that once dominated the industry. Then there’s Maristella, a 1936 wooden launch with a fascinating past. Skippered by Drew Sunde, Maristella spent time in coastal patrol service during World War II and is now undergoing careful restoration to return her to her original lines.
Other contenders brought equally compelling histories to the race. My Girl, a 9-metre 1925 W.H. Hand Jr. design, was lovingly restored after years of disrepair, now boasting a powerful 100hp Volvo Penta. Ngaio, an 11.89-metre Arch Logan design from 1921, reflects the timeless elegance expected from the Logan stable, while Paikea, a 1921 12-metre pioneering planing hull from Collings & Bell, continues to amaze with her speed and stability even after more than a century.
As the starting horn sounded, these vessels surged forward, their histories colliding in a spectacle of tradition and competition. Leading the charge was My Girl, skippered by Jason Prew, who claimed line honours with a blistering time of 23 minutes and 12 seconds. Close behind was Paikea, helmed by Carl Longhurst, crossing the line just under a minute later. Ngaio, skippered by Jan Barraclough (who single-handedly crewed her throughout the race!!!), rounded out the top three with a time of 34 minutes and 25 seconds.
But the real drama wasn’t just at the front of the fleet. The battle for seventh and eighth places saw Matanui and Rehia locked in a tight contest, with just nine seconds separating them. Meanwhile, Primadonna, a 1908 12-metre whale-chaser turned classic launch, held her own, proving that age is no barrier to performance.
When the handicaps were calculated, the results painted a different picture. Paikea emerged victorious, her design perfectly suited to the conditions. Ngaio took second place, while My Girl secured a well-earned third.
Beyond the competition, the Classic Launch Race is a tribute to the people who pour their time, resources, and passion into preserving these vessels. It’s about keeping history alive, one carefully restored plank at a time. Whether it’s the craftsmanship of Arch Logan, the innovation of Collings & Bell, or the dedication of today’s skippers and caretakers, these boats embody a legacy worth celebrating.
