THIS BOAT HAS NOW BEEN SOLD
Mike Black owner of the 1898 New Zealand classic racer Aoma has asked us to draw attention to the fact that the lovely old boat needs new owners who can restor her back to her old glory.
Built by Logan’s Aoma was one of the champion 30ft Linear Raters (other examples are Heather [renamed Ranee], Sunbeam, Petrel and Culwalla I [renamed Yuelba]), which dominated elite class racing on Sydney Harbour for years.
Constructed for the famous Sydney yachtsman CT Brockhoff, Aoma raced to her first win in her maiden race, and later won the prestigious Gascoigne Cup in 1905.
She has a triple-planked kauri hull, with the gaff rig and bowsprit typical of her era. Her hull is in great condition – it was Dynel sheathed 20 years ago and is still water-tight –
Along the way a few changes have been made; she has been adapted for the cruising life by raising her freeboard by three planks, fitting a 35hp BMW diesel, and adding wheel steering and a new coach-house. Her rudder has also been enlarged.
Aoma needs a new lease of life, maybe from a syndicate who could put the time and funds into her, and Mike is keen to see her restored to something like her original racing condition, so I don’t think he will be looking for a high price. I also gather that as a Logan boat, Aoma is regarded as part of New Zealand’s heritage and must remain in the country in the long term.
There’s more information here, and Mike can be contacted at info@blackchiropractic.com.au.
