So, when I was given a copy of South Sea Vagabonds by Johnny Wray I assumed it was going to be another entertaining but outdated, perhaps pompous account of a privileged white man’s parade through the islands. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

When an ageing farmer took archaeologist Bob Sheppard aside and pointed high into the rafters of his old hay shed, the history lover could not quite believe his eyes.

Having spent all his summers on the Bellarine Peninsula Oscar Perri assumed Queenscliff to be the natural home of the famous Couta boat…Turns out, where there’s wood, there’s a story worth following.

Salar 40s were designed to be safe, comfortable, and seaworthy, and to travel long distances. ‘A round the world yacht’ was the marketing slogan when the boat was built, and it wasn’t just hot air.

The success of a yachting class often rests with a few unforeseen events and decisions. For over 90 years two similar boats, the Tumlaren and the Dragon have competed for devotees.

I’m developing another theory which is almost the inverse. It goes something like this…. “The amount of pleasure per dollar gained from owning a wooden boat is inversely proportional to its length.”

After a tumultuous 2020 and a busy Christmas period we decided on a turnkey cruise! Squally Cove is beautifully set-up and so, so easy to live on. The Kent Group — I just love the place… Fishing, walking, swimming, scenery, it’s got the lot.

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the Launch of VANITY, the 24ft Ranger Class Gaffer, that has set the standard for the class over the last two decades.

This is the third and final article in Charlie Salter’s series on Architects and Woodenboats.

With a couple of recent “barn finds” of Tums with excellent provenance and the legendary YVONNE due to emerge out of the shed after an exhaustive restoration, the class is ready for another growth spurt.

The greatest celebration of Wooden Boats and Maritime Culture on the planet*, welcomes you attend the 2021 Maritime Trail.

From the get go, Leo harnessed the power of social media to broadcast his story building not only a boat, but a remarkable community of volunteers and supporters.

The second article in Charlie Salter’s series highlighting the  relationship between architects and wooden  boats.

I have heard Dugga speak over the years and been enthralled by his story telling and depth of knowledge acquired over years of being out, working the same stretch of water.

Plans were thrown into chaos with boats trapped on the hard and crew travel arrangements stymied, undaunted, Peter Costolloe pressed ahead and those who made it to the start line didn’t regret it.

In late primary school, I was dragged by my father to Sydney on one his boat buying expeditions. At Middle Harbour, we saw DEFIANCE, which was not for sale but that was the boat for us.

Jorn Utzon, the Danish architect of the Sydney Opera House grew up in a world of boats. Sailing, living and working near the water was a three generational activity for the Utzon family.

“Many of us are driven by the beauty that relates to pursuit of purpose.... boat design across many cultures is an almost perfect study of vernacular.” Australian Architect, Richard LePlastier

Ginny Gerlach and I share a core passion - to see more women on water. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. The passion certainly comes out in this interview.

Come and join fellow lovers of fine lines and beautiful craftsmanship in what is set to become a regular event on Pittwater.