A FINE LAUNCH

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 85, 10 April 1926, Page 8

A FINE LAUNCH

LONG COASTAL CRUISE,

A fine motor-launch, the Rakanui, which is on a long cruise on the New Zealand coast, has arrived in. "Wellington. The pioneer adventurer in such long cruises was the Ruamano, which stayed here in the course of her voyage round both Islands.

The Rakanui arrived at Wellington late yesterday afternoon from' Whangarei via the East Coast, and is moored in the Boat Harbour. She is owned by Mr. W. R. Patterson, of Whangarei. . The Rakanui looks very smart and comfortable. Built by Messrs. Bailey and Lowe, of Auckland, she is considered to be one of the finest launches in New Zealand waters. The Rakanui is of 25 tons gross, and her principal dimensions are: Length, 50ft; breadth, 12ft 9in; moulded depth, sft 6in. She has two Widdop semi-Deisel 30 h.p. engines, capable of giving her a speed of eight knots. Using her sails as well as the engines tie Rakanui does from mine to ten knots in a fair breeze. The main cabin is spacious, and ample sleeping accommodation is provided. There is a full set of navigating instruments, and 'also a 5-valve wireless receiving set.

The Rakanui left Auckland on 13 th March for Whangarei, and cleared the latter port at 4.54 pun. on 25th March. Fin weather was experienced until Cape Palliser was reached. Here a strong north-westerly breeze was encountered and the Rakanui shipped a good deal of water.

If the weather continues fine the Rakanui is to sail for Lyttelton and Dunedin to-morrow. Originally it wan Mr. Patterson's intention to sail right round New Zealand, but the season is now too far advanced, and the Rakanui will return to the North by the East Coast. Mr. Patterson expects to be home again in about a month.