Akaroa launch to return home

Press, 16 November 1981, Page 2

Akaroa launch to return home

After 20 years seafaring round South Island ports, the launch Miss Akaroa will return home on Tuesday to give cruises on Akaroa Harbour.

The Miss Akaroa has been used for crayfishing in Fiordland, for scallop fishing out of Nelson, and as a mussel boat in the Marlborough Sounds. She is now being decked out at Lyttelton as a tourist launch, ready for her trip home.

The launch was built in 1958 at Akaroa, next to the old Bruce Hotel, and sailed the harbour for three years as a tourist and fishing vessel. Her skipper was the well known local personality, Mr George Brasell.

Nathan Scott, Ltd, now owns the Miss Akaroa, and was given permission by the Akaroa County Council at its October meeting to run scenic trips from the main wharf.

A variety of trips are planned, catering both for overseas tourists and local visitors to Akaroa. These will range from regular one-hour round-the-harbour excursions to longer cruises with lunch or dinner served aboard. The launch will be able to take about 40 people a trip. The Miss Akaroa’s principal skipper will be Mr Morgan Waghorn, who has been fishing at Akaroa for 16 years, and is president of the Akaroa Fishermen’s Association.