Moana – originally bought by my 3 brothers and myself under the urging of my father back in 1968. Moana was built in 1895 by one of NZ’s most famous boat building dynasties, the Logan Brothers. She was built as a 5 (ton) rater with modern lines reminiscent of the Fife yachts at that time. Head and shoulders above the competition after her launching, she today is probably a world beater in having been continuously raced hard her whole life without major overhaul…a tribute to her builders, quality of timber and the dedication of her few owners. In the early 1930’s she had her deck lifted vertically by 9″ with the insertion of a solid kauri plank and new gunnel. At the same time her bow sprit was removed and a new Bermudan rig installed on a shapely spruce mast, some 18″ behind the gaff mast. The Smith brothers have all had their time lovingly looking after her, with annual haul outs for minor repairs and paint job. The 3-skin kauri hull planking, decks, cockpit and hatches are still all original. She is one of only a handful of yachts that didn’t have a cabin installed to increase head room and was raced and cruised without the benefit of an inboard motor until 2011. Many a time have I towed her out in our dinghy, rowing from a breathless bay or back home in the quiet of an evening.
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Lovely to see Moana, thanks for access to the boat show and thanks again for a memorable afternoon aboard. We look forward to seeing you, Moana and of course the New Zealand branch of our family in the near future. David and Barbara Ruddlesden
What a treat it has been to be onboard Moana! I have been part of racing, cruising and even the final celebrations of life!
Even as a non sailer I can see that without modern aids Moana requires true sailing skills. Surely she is the essence of sailing!
Thank you Chris and bros, for the pleasures gained from sailing on Moana over the years. Gripping onto the gunnel. It’s such a testament to the builder and subsequent owners that Moana has never needed a significant refit. Good luck with the comp!
Beautiful sailing yacht from the past, I remember chugging around the Auckland Harbour in the late 60s on my mates fathers launch looking with wonder on the magnificent A class keelers (as they were referred to at the time) Well done Chris and to the Smith brothers for their dedication to the graceful lady of the harbour
What a legendary story in New Zealand’s Martime history . Chris, you and your family are to be highly commended for the devoted custodianship you have exhibited over the decades . Love sweat and adventure shine through and enrich the narrative . Live on Moana. You have my vote hands down. Lorenzo born 1968
Lovely to see Moana, thanks for access to the boat show and thanks again for a memorable afternoon aboard. We look forward to seeing you, Moana and of course the New Zealand branch of our family in the near future. David and Barbara Ruddlesden
What a treat it has been to be onboard Moana! I have been part of racing, cruising and even the final celebrations of life!
Even as a non sailer I can see that without modern aids Moana requires true sailing skills. Surely she is the essence of sailing!
thank you Debs, that is lovely
Thank you Chris and bros, for the pleasures gained from sailing on Moana over the years. Gripping onto the gunnel. It’s such a testament to the builder and subsequent owners that Moana has never needed a significant refit. Good luck with the comp!
Beautiful sailing yacht from the past, I remember chugging around the Auckland Harbour in the late 60s on my mates fathers launch looking with wonder on the magnificent A class keelers (as they were referred to at the time) Well done Chris and to the Smith brothers for their dedication to the graceful lady of the harbour
What a legendary story in New Zealand’s Martime history . Chris, you and your family are to be highly commended for the devoted custodianship you have exhibited over the decades . Love sweat and adventure shine through and enrich the narrative . Live on Moana. You have my vote hands down. Lorenzo born 1968
How beautiful Lorenzo, thank you very much for a marvelous comment.