RETURN OF OLD YACHT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21332, 5 November 1932, Page 12

RETURN OF OLD YACHT

RECLUSE'S FORMER HOME PURCHASE OF THE AWATEA RECOMMISSION INTENDED The yacht Awatea, on which a wealthy recluse, Mr. 11. C. Swan, who died last November, lived alone for nearly 30 years in a tidal tributary of tho Henderson Creek, whore the vessel was moored, was brought to Auckland yesterday for recommission. The vessel has recently been purchased by a young resident of Morningside, Mr. W. A. Clues, who will have her overhauled and hopes to make a cruise in her shortly after Christmas. Tho yacht is estimated to bo 40 years old, but is still sound, her condition being remarkable for her age. Soon after his arrival in New Zealand Mr. Swan purchased the Awatea, a 35ft. yacht, in which he made many cruises round the coast. He later tired of this roving life and laid the little craft up in a small creek which runs through the property he then owned. At one time he contemplated making a world cruise, and sheathed the hull with copper. The cruise was never made, but the sheathing protected the hull, accounting for tho exceptionally good state in which it is to-day. Up to five years ago Mr. Swan, who was 76 when he died, kept the vessel in trim condition. After Mr. Swan's death his property was bought by Mr. A. M. Ilyde, who acquired the boat at the samo time. He made no move to place it in commission during the past year, and it lay idle until it was inspected recently by Mr. Clues. He found that the hull was sound, while the canvas, which had been carefully stowed away, v;as in fair condition, as also were the spars and running gear. Satisfied that the yacht was worth placing in commission again, he purchased it, and yesterday had it towed by a friend's launch to Mechanic's Bay, where it was moored. Mr. Clues intends to commence overhauling the boat immediately. The craft will require to be hauled up for cleaning and painting, while the interior will be altered considerably. All the sails and running gear will be renewed where necessary. It is expected that the Awatea will be restored to cruising trim shortly after Christmas, and Mr. Clues liope s to make a cruise in February. Later, if the yacht comes up to expectations, it i s possible that he may race her.