The Classic Yacht Association has rescued the historic launch Maroro from Okupu on Great Barrier Island after years of service for the Faulkner family of Tauranga and longlining out of Okupu. Her owner David Owen, has presented the launch to the CYA and is assisting greatly with her transport to Auckland. 

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One of the biggest projects underway at the New Zealand Traditional Boatbuilding School is the restoration of Corona. She was built by Charles Collings who had served his time with Robert Logan Sr and joined the Clare brothers in their boatbuilding business in St Mary’s Bay around 1903 as designer. He soon took over the business, which became Collings & Bell in 1909, and specialised in mullet boats, building boats which were amongst the best of their time. However, the firm soon concentrated on motor launches, particularly Collings’ square-bilge planing hulls for racing, whale chasing and game fishing... Click here to read more...

This is a new course and involves many of the traditional hand skills used in woodworking including hand cut dovetails, & drawer making. You will be the envy of all your mates with this box of tricks. Contact us now for more details. This is likely to be a Thursday evening course towards the end of April.

This is a full time, 4 week course, learning all the skills involved in building a traditional clinker dinghy. This will be limited to 4 students. We are planning one of these in April or May so contact us now if you are interested. Check out the Photo Album for an example.

We are currently developing a new evening course covering all the skills for wooden boat maintenance and repair this will be broken into modules so you can choose the one you want to do or complete the lot. The skills taught will include woodworking skills, caulking and fastening, preparation and painting, right through to electrical basics and engine maintenance. Contact us if you would be interested in all or part of this course.