9 Te Kahu St.
Haruru Falls
Paihia
09 402 7746
021 148 8552
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The 2007 Marlinespike Seamanship Trophy
This year the NZ Maritime Restoration School Trust and the Paihia Haven of History Trust are combining their efforts to bring the Marlinespike Seamanship Regatta together with a re-enactment commemorating the landing of the missionary Henry Williams and William Fairburn and their families in 1823 at Paihia. The weekend of November 2nd, 3rd and 4th will include an Art Auction, a formal black tie dinner and on the Sunday the re-enactment and the Marlinespike Seamanship Regatta. The Re-enactment will begin at 0930 when the R. Tucker Thompson will pick up passengers from Russell Wharf and make her way to anchor in front of Paihia. At 1130 two Sea Scout cutters from Kerikeri and Onerahi will ferry ashore actors representing the Williams and Fairburn families. The cutters will be in convoy with several waka from Waitangi led by master boatman Wiremu Wiremu. On arrival at the beach there will be a traditional welcome and landing.
The Paihia Haven of History Trust was formed to produce a living, bi-cultural creation of the pre-Treaty settlement. There will be guides in appropriate period costume, a museum, heritage buildings and a printing press.
This will be the third Marlinespike Seamanship Regatta and the fleet is expected to be swollen by the inclusion of several Sea Scout cutters from all over Northland and further afield. Organisers and Coastguard are very heartened by the improvement in boat handling skills by contestants over the years and the challenges will therefore be a little more so!
For more information
About the Reenactment and Marlinespike Seamanship- Jay Lawry (09) 402 7746
Marlinespike Seamanship- Terry Dunn (09) 4027248
Paihia Haven of History Pageant weekend- Caitlin Radmore (09) 4026111
R. Tucker Thompson- Rachel 0800 882537
Paihia Haven of History- Elisabeth Ludbrook- (0274) 489598
Email: jay@maritime-restoration-school.co.nz
The format of the contest also gave the effect of handicapping as every boat had to perform the various skills of Man Overboard, Reefing and sailing backwards as well as sailing off and onto their anchors. Most of the skills had to be completed within certain areas defined by navigational bearings and transits.
Skippers and crew had to leave their outboards behind as they rowed off the beach and out to their boats. Some crews obviously need more practice in some of the skills and others need to simply sail their boats more! The firm 20-25 knot breeze challenged the sailors more yet though the beautiful sunshine gave the day a bright summery feel.
The organisors, Terry Dunn and Jay Lawry, have received many calls from those who took part in the contest saying how much they enjoyed themselves and promising that they will be back next year with more of their friends. Now that the format is shown to work there will be more skills brought in to the contest.
The aim after all is not to have an out and out speed race but rather a challenge to crew work, boat handling and maritime knowledge. Results were given at the Mako Bar in Paihia and the organisors wish to thank Billy and Mielke for their donation of rum for the 5 minute preparatory drink and providing happy hour bar prices all day for spectators.
