Join Us To Congratulate New Zealand Boat Builder Rosie Lees Today

Wooden boat builder Rosie Lees in her new boat “Summertime” during the New Zealand Antique & Classic Boat Show.

Today we would like you to join us in congratulating Rosie Lees for her big win at last weekend’s New Zealand Antique & Classic Boat Show. Over the years, much the success of Woody Boater, ACBS HQ / Chapters, and the hobby in general has been due to the contributions, hard work and dedication of countless numbers of women throughout the hobby.

So today we would also like to recognize that dedication by saying THANK YOU – Victoria Lynn Bauer, Julie Bullen, Maggi Cassell, Sandy Chase, Ginger Clark, Michelle DeMist, Kathy Dow, Carla Gernhofer, Anne Guldemond, Karen Harrison, Jean & Terry Hoffman, Kim & Natashia Kadimik, Sheena Kerfoot, Marianne Lewandowski, Kathy Muller, Jerri Nowlen, Kathy Parker, Sabina Pellissier, Kathy Rhodes, Deb Salt, Suzanne Smith, Gail Turner, Jenna Kovacik Turner, Angie Wilkins, WoodyGal, Kristen Winn – and all the wives, daughters, and companions of boat owners & builders everywhere. I put this list together from memory (and I can’t remember what I had for lunch yesterday), so if I missed your name I apologise in advance ladies. – Texx

So let’s send Rosie Lees a message-in-a-bottle (via the Internet) from 9,000 miles away to congratulate her in the comment section.

Boat Builder Rosie Lees Wins Jens Hansen Cup
Story by Jacquetta Bell – Nelson Media, NZ
Photos by Alan Doak

This year’s Antique & Classic Boat Show at Lake Rotoiti (March 7 & 8) had its first female winner of the top prize, with the Jens Hansen Cup for the Best Vessel Overall going to the classy runabout, Summertime, owned and built by Rosie Lees of Blenheim.

Lees says she saw a boat of this design, ‘Fullafun’ at the Boat Show in 2012 and started looking on Trademe for something similar.

“I showed a family friend, Frank Pelin, some photos of ‘Fullafun’ and he recognised it as a Venturer, one of his designs,” she says. “I didn’t have any luck buying something similar on Trademe, but I did find Venturer plans and built the boat with my father’s help at our boatyard at Sandspit, Warkworth.”

Ms Lees (26) works in environmental monitoring for the Marlborough District Council.

Youth was also to the fore in the other top boat – the winner of People’s Choice and Best New Craft, Mrs Robinson, owned by 14-year-old Oli Malthus of Wellington.

Winner of People’s Choice and Best New Craft – “Mrs Robinson” owned by 14-year-old Oli Malthus of Wellington, NZ.

Oli built the smart red and white 9’10” hydroplane to the Jupiter design last year as a year-10 school project. This type of boat, designed by Hal Kelly, was a popular racer in New Zealand in the 50s through to the early 70s, and in 1963 reached 79mph to set an Australian speed record for its class.

Race boat builder Oli Malthus prepares to climb aboard “Mrs Robinson” for a – dry – test run on Lake Rotoiti.

Judges Ben Cox and John Harris paid tribute to the dedication that had gone into the new builds and restored craft on show.

Harris said the age of the owner-builders of the top two boats came as surprise: “To be honest we wouldn’t expect boats to be built to such a high standard by the younger generation. It’s great to see young people getting involved in the classic boat community, showing an interest in boating history and winning competitions with such skilful builds of wooden boats.”

Organiser Pete Rainey said the weather affected turnout, though the show did go ahead on Saturday in heavy showers, with a small crowd of mainly boat owners and die-hard enthusiasts.

Show organizer and fellow Woody Boater Pete Rainey (left) appeared surprised by the cool summer weather on Saturday. That vintage Titanic PVD inspires confidence – Texx

“The weather came right in the afternoon and we got the boats on the lake but didn’t run any of the scheduled races,” he said. “Then yesterday (Sunday) the summer weather returned and we had a good crowd of spectators for a great day of racing and general ‘messing about in boats’ on the shore and on the lake.”

The crowds returned on Sunday for the boat show at Lake Rotoiti.

Our friend and long time fellow Woody Boater / Contributor Philip Andrew of Wellington – with “Sparkle Horse” his (now) perfect 1956 Century Palomino he bought at the Warner Auction in 2010.

The full list of awards from the 2015 Antique and Classic Boat Show:

Best New Craft: Mrs Robinson,
Owned by Oli Malthus of Wellington;

Best Restoration: Svago,
Owned by Mark O’Neill of Nelson;

Port Nelson House Parts: Best Rowed Craft, Maggie,
Owned by John McConway of Picton;

CWF Hamilton Trophy for the Best Jet Propelled Craft: Impulse II,
Owned by Matt Wicken of Christchurch;

Johnson Family Trophy for the Best Sail Powered Craft: Boat 101,
Owned by Keith Hensen of Picton;

Mathieson Jeffcott Trophy for the Best Motor Powered Craft: Principessa,
Owned by Philip Andrew of Wellington;

Best Outboard Motor Boat: Keeper,
Owned by Todd Johnson of Leithfeild, Canterbury;

Eventiac Award for the Best Themed Display: PT109,
Owned by Michael Sharratt of Christchurch;

Ron Culley Trophy for the Best Steam Boat: India,
Owned by Rick Osborne of Renwick;

People’s Choice, voted for on the day: Mrs Robinson,
Owned by Oli Malthus of Wellington;

Jens Hansen Cup for the Best Vessel Overall: Summertime,
Owned by Rosie Lees of Blenheim.

Jacquetta Bell – Nelson Media, NZ

Thanks for the great report Jacquetta. Here are a few more photos from the show courtesy of Alan Doak. Alan has been sharing his photos with us and reporting in from the New Zealand Antique & Classic Boat Show every year since 2010. We not only get a chance to see some of our favorite boats that return every year, but also get to see new classic boats and new creations for the first time. The range of boats is always impressive.

Vintage Jet Boats are something we don’t see often at boat shows in America, however they are always popular in New Zealand.

Alan Doak captured a shot of this beautiful Classic Craft gentleman’s race boat – with room for four.

Smiles all around for these Woody Boaters! – Happy to be on the water with friends.

The happy folks as they pass by in their vintage steam boat, with the boiler providing some heat on a cool day.

It’s not every day you get to see a classic Morris tow rig – very nice ride.

Not sure what model of classic fiberglass boat this is, but it sure looks great on the lake.

The mobile race control shack on the shore – looks like a custom job…

And beside the mobile race control shack is what appears to be a vintage boat race starter / countdown clock (I think). – Texx

Co-pilot takes over at the helm of the Chris-Craft while the Captain makes some minor adjustments (or something)

“Blondie” a rare Chris-Craft 20′ Custom is a regular at this event, and it’s always great to see her.

When the wind is calm, Lake Rotoiti is a perfect place for a quiet, relaxing boat ride.

“Vanquish” – Another fine example of a gentleman’s racer in New Zealand.

Another shot of “Vanquish”

And after a busy day of boat racing on the lake, what better way to end the day than with Peanut Butter on Toast…

The empty dock at Lake Rotoiti, NZ – by Alan Doak

We can’t close out our story today – reflecting on our appreciation for the Women of Classic Boating – without mentioning the late, great Joan Greene from Lake Hopatcong. Joan was a long time friend of fellow Woody Boaters Wayne Moxfield, Bob Kays, and Seth and Renee Katz. Joan was one of Wayne’s original customers when he started the Marina on Lake Hopatcong which is now Katz’s Marina.

It’s always fun to experience classic boating events in other parts of the world, and see what they have to offer – as we all share a common interest. Thanks to everyone involved for sharing this story with us today.

Have a great first day of Spring in North America and the first day of Autumn in New Zealand.

Texx
_______________