Flotsam & Jetsam- 17.10.25
Vertue Newsletter
I’m always pleased to see Roger Robinson’s quarterly newsletter in my inbox. It’s an update of all things ‘VERTUE” from around the world. Filled with interesting stories from owners of the Giles classic, its definitely worth signing up for.
Here’s a taste from the (Northern) autumn edition just out.
The Vertue Hoitak’s cabin seemed rather crowded as I sat next to my father on the port settee. Opposite us Eric Hiscock and Humphrey Barton were discussing the quality of the gleaming teak joinery and David Smithells from the importers in Chichester, sat on the companionway steps, beaming with delight. It was January 1963 at the Earls Court Boat Show; Wanderer III was afloat in the Pool, and Hoitak too was causing quite a stir.
2026 Paynesville Classic Boat Rally and Maritime Festival.
And while we are on subject of newsletters the latest edition from the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally is now available, giving details of their launch event on October 29th.
With special guest aviator, Indie cinema owner, film maker, and Australian Geographic Adventurer of the Year (2016), Michael Smith The Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club will be buzzing on Wednesday 29 October 2025 as we officially launch the 2026 Paynesville Classic Boat Rally and Maritime Festival. This key event is to acknowledge all those involved in making the Rally a success – including our valued partners, sponsors, community groups, volunteers, and of course, Rally participants. Guests will hear about the 2026 Rally plans, what’s new, and how they can become involved in the event which was first held 10 years ago. Topping off the launch will be a keynote presentation by entrepreneur and renowned flying boat pilot Michael Smith – a legendary ‘local’ (raised on Raymond Island) who is keen to share his experience and knowledge on the importance of supporting and getting involved in local community events.
The full newsletter is available HERE.
Now that the Geelong/Victorian Wooden Boat Festival has gone into hibernation, this is no doubt Victoria’s premiere wooden boat event!
Who knew that this technology was so old!
We’ve published a few articles about wind assisted systems for freight transport but I had no idea that this particular technology of using Flettner rotors was so old!
The twin Flettner rotor ship Buckau made its maiden voyage into Grangemouth in 1925
Great article from the BBC
It must have been a bizarre sight when a freight ship, equipped with two large rotating towers, made its way under the Forth Bridge a century ago.
The experimental sail technology, on the rotor ship Buckau, was first demonstrated in 1925 on a journey carrying timber from Danzig - now Gdansk, in Poland - to the Scottish port of Grangemouth.
The spinning towers were designed to harness the wind as a way of saving fuel but it didn't catch on for about 90 years.
Now the pioneering Flettner rotors are being used on at least 35 commercial freight ships to improve fuel efficiency and reduce their impact on the climate.
Wooden Car Transporters
Not really news… but very cool use for a couple of wooden boats! Click to watch.
The Centenarians Rally 2025
We haven’t had an official report on the above… but judging by the media coverage it’s recieved it looks like a raging success
Tortured Ply
Those readers with a bit of rowing in their background might be interested to read about the life of the recently deceased, last British builder of wooden “tortured ply” racing owing boats. Despite a long and storied career William “Bill” Colley probably gained most fame when film director George Clooney commissioned him to build two wooden eights for the 2023 Hollywood film about the American crew that won at the 1936 Olympic Games, The Boys in the Boat. You can see his work in the trailer below
Read a an interesting interview with him about his life building rowing shells, on the “Hear the Boat Sing” website HEAR