Launch of the Kia Ora.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue XVII, 24 October 1903, Page 22

Launch of the Kia Ora.

ROUND THE WORLD IN 22FT. BOAT. There was a large gathering at Stanley Bay, Auckland, on October 14th to witness the launching of the tiny vessel Kia Ora, in which Jlr Buekeridge will make the perilous journey to London via the Cape Horn route. The Kia Ora weighs only 7 J cwt., and is therefore considerably smaller than the Tilikum (4 tons), whieh is now circumnavigating the globe under command of Captain Voss, and the American yacht Spray (13 tons), whieh performed the hazardous task some time since. The Kia Ora is no bigger than the ordinary small yacht seen about Auckland, and should her master be successful in piloting her safely to London he will have performed a feat hitherto unaccomplish «i in so small a boat. She is only 22ft. in length, and her beam is 6ft. 6in.. but the builders, Messrs. Bailey and Lowe, have excelled themselves in turning out a craft that probably could not be improved on for the task she is set to accomplish. The Kia Ora is a perfect model of buoyancy and strength. She is built of the choicest timber, and is copper fastened throughout. Every plank is worked its full length from stem to stern, so that there is not a "but” in the whole craft, despite the fact that the model is full and shapely. So long as the craft floats it will be impossible for her to break up, however severe may be the gale encountered; there will be enough lead on her keel to keep her upright: sire eannot take on board much sea-water, and there is an automatic device for returning it to the ocean. The main danger is being driven upon a lee shore, hut with the sails provided, and good steering gear, Mr Buekeridge feels very confident in trusting his life to his craft.