YACHT DESIGNER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23616, 28 March 1940, Page 15

YACHT DESIGNER

DEATH IN AUCKLAND MR. ARCHIBALD LOGAN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION Widely acknowledged as the most brilliant designer and able builder of sailing boats New Zealand has known, Mr. Archibald Logan, of 18 Stanley Point, died yesterday at the ago of 7'A. Such was his genius in the construction of yachts that he had an international reputation, and craft of his design have proved eminently successful. not only in the Dominion, but also in Australia, South Africa. Canada, the United States and Kngland. Horn at Greenock, Scotland, in 1807, Air. Logan came to New Zealand with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Logan, at the ago of seven years. His father was a shipbuilder, and it was with him that Mr. Archibald Logan learned bis trade. In 1890 Mr. Archibald Logan was joined by two brothers, Messrs. .Robert and John Logan, in the formation of the firm of Logan Brothers, yacht builders and designers, with premises on the site east of King's Wharf now occupied by the Auckland Fleetrie-Power Board. Grace and Speed In the firm's life of 20 years Mr. Archibald Logan took a prominent part and acted as designer. The craft turned out were noted for the high standard of their workmanship, their graceful lines and their remarkable speed, and soon the firm's reputation became well known overseas. Yachts for whose construction Mr. Logan was personally or jointly responsible for 10 and o() years ago are still afloat in Auckland and other waters. After the firm was dissolved in 1910 lie continued designing and building craft at Stanley Bay. One of the boats which early enhanced Mr. Logan's reputation was the Mercia, which gained many successes in Sydney and later was sent to South Africa. Several other yachts, including the Shingana and Oriki, found South African owners, while there were others built there to Mr. Logan's designs. Australia became the home of a number <>l craft. including the Rawhiti. Sunbeam. Culwitlla, Heather and Petrel, most of which gained many victories in important races. Built lor a Sydney yachtsman, the Southerly Buster was eventually taken to Fngland. Encouragement of Sport Besides being a builder Mr. Logan was an active and sticcesslu! yachtsman himself, and throughout his lite encouraged young men to take up the sport. To this end he devised the 18ft. M class yachts in 1922, and they have proved to be one of the finest classes of small boats ever created in New Zealand. Among the M class boats which he built were the Mawhiti, Ma furore, Maroro. Maneno and Mann, while lie also designed the Manaia and Marita.

Further encouragement to youthful yachtsmen was given in IO.'H, when Mr. Logan designed the Silver Fern class of 1-Mooters, of which there are now over ->0 in New Zealand. Realising the limited resources ol many youngsters eager to learn yachting he devised the inexpensive Monarch sailing canoe of 10ft. three years ago. and his design has since been copied by a number of boys. Many Familiar Keelers Over the years Mr. Logan had hecome noted for the beauty and speed of his keelers. Every yachtsman and most of the public generally are familiar with such craft as the Ariki. Thelnia. Rainbow,* lorangi. Moana, Rawetie. Victory. Kotiri. Windward. Thistle and Queenie. which he designed and built, and with the Tawera, Little Jim. Waiomo and Aramoana. which were built to his design. The last keel yacht built to his design, the Gypsy, made its first appearance this season. Out-standing floats in the 221t. and 20ft. craft which lie built were the Omatere. Celox. Cora. \ alerie, \ eniis and Xgaira, while he also designed the Rakoa and Marika. In addition to yachts. Mr. Logan was also responsible for the construction of numerous launches and trading vessels. Mr. Logan is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters The funeral will take place at O'Neill's Point Cemetery this afternoon.