Sail Number: A2
Type: Gaff Rigged Cutter
Robert Logan “Rawhiti” Specifications:
LOA: 54′ 0″ / 16.5m – LOD: – LWL: 34.9′ / 10.6m – Beam: 9.8′ / 2.98 – Draft: 7′ 0″ / 2.13M – Displacement: 6.5 Tons – Hull material: Over Built For Passage Making, Diagonal Principle, Triple-Skin Kauri, All Boards Being the Full Length of the Hull – Rig: Gaff Rigged Cutter – Mast: Oregon Pine – Other Spars: Spruce – Designer: Robert Logan Snr – Built by: Messrs. Logan Bros., Auckland, Mechanics Bay (now filled in), New Zealand – Year Launched: 6th October 1905 – Christened By: Mrs A. Logan – Restored By: Brookes Boatbuilders of Waimauku – Current Name: Rawhiti (“Sunshine”) – Original Owner: Mr. A T Pittar, Sydney – Current Owner: Greg Lee and Sam Stubbs (brothers in law)
Historical:
Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Commodore C. P. Murdoch presented to Mr. Pittar, upon the launching ceremonies, the club’s burgee, and noting through his adjournment, at a champagne luncheon, a toast of” The Owner” saying that Mr. Pittar had done more than any other man in the colony to uphold New Zealand yachting, and the reputation of Auckland-built yachts in New Zealand and Australia, sparing neither money nor time in the interest of the sport.
The new yacht “Rawhiti,” soon after her launching was sailed to Sydney, under the charge of Capt O. Schulze, a well-known trader to the islands, Mr. John Bell, a well-known Auckland yachtsman who rigged the yacht, and Mr. F. Bennett, a young man with good sea going experience, and of which the following reflects his experience.
At 4 pm on the 18th day of October 1905 the yacht “Rawhiti” weighed anchor in Waitemata harbour to commence a voyage of 1,280 miles / 2,059.96 kilometer across the Tasman Sea. A succession of circular gales and storms accompanied by high seas and head winds ensued during the stormy 28-day, 10 hour passage. Hove to for nearly 120 hours, and broaching once at midnight on October 31. under a double-reefed trysail and staysail, the little ship weathered it all, “a perfect marvel,” exceptionally seaworthy, testament to her skillful designers and builders.
Rationing of provisions began on the 9th of November on four biscuits a day. The crew discussed the advisability of putting in to Lord Howe Island to re-provision, but unfavourable winds prevented changing course. These rations continued until 1:16am on November 15th when land was sighted, with no more short rations left, a leading breeze allowed entry into Port Jackson and ending a long weary voyage across the Tasman Sea.
1940s – S W Marler, a New Zealand businessman, acquired the vessel (1945-1969), after an extensive refit, brought her back to New Zealand, with a stipulation that she would never race in Sydney again. Raced in New Zealand under the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron for over 20-years
1960s – Don Brooke acquired the yacht, modernizing her rudder and rig and added a above-deck cabin.
After Brookes’ ownership, through numerous changes in owners, sat deteriorating in Manukau Harbour
1990s – Wayne Hurst, a boat painter acquired her and completed an extensive restoration. In 1994 she was acquired by Brent and Rebecca Belemi, who raced her with the Classic Yacht Association.
2005-2011 – Greg Lee commences a six-year restoration of the century, lead by master shipwright Peter Brookes, Waimauku, NZ of Brooks Boatbuilders.
Known Racing History:
30-Year Port Jackson Champion
Known Restoration History:
2005 – 2011 – Brookes Boatbuilders
Provenance (The Wall of Remembrance – The Owners, Crew & Notable Guest):
Owner/Guardian: (1905) Mr. A T Pittar, Sydney
Owner/Guardian: Greg Lee and Sam Stubbs (brothers in law)