Solo Circumnavigation of NZ for Waiheke Working Sail

$7,252 donated

Given by 66 generous donors in 7 weeks

Waiheke Working Sail is in need of funds to help refit the Kate and WWS trustee Mike Delamore is circumnavigating NZ to raise awareness.

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One man. One boat. Two thousand miles.

It's a long way to travel for a 10-metre sloop sailboat, but Mike Delamore is confident that aboard the Cavatina he can make it happen to raise funds for Waiheke Working Sail Charitable Trust and the restoration of the Kate.

A life-long sailor, Mike is setting out from Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke Island to begin his solo circumnavigation all the way around New Zealand and back to Matiatia. His aim is to raise funds for Waiheke Working Sail Charitable Trust and assist in their efforts to raise awareness of the value of seamanship, navigation and the skills associated with seafaring and boat building/restoration.

One of Waiheke Working Sail's biggest efforts has been the restoration of the historic trading cutter Kate. Kate was built in 1898 and is only one of three boats of her kind that remain from New Zealand's pioneering shipping history. With her restoration being spearheaded by WWS trustee Bernard Rhodes, the Kate has been thoroughly transformed from a derelict near-wreck to a beautifully reinvigorated classic boat that is the centrepiece of WWS's efforts to train Waiheke youth in sailing training and the art of wooden boat restoration.

Though countless hours of work and thousands of dollars have been donated to restore the Kate and train apprentices in the art of boat restoration, support is greatly needed to ensure the goals of WWS can keep happening.

Mike is hopeful that other boat-lovers on Waiheke or across New Zealand will be inspired to help keep the art of seamanship and boat building alive in the Hauraki Gulf by giving a donation to WWS.

All donations go 100% directly to the Waiheke Working Sail Charitable Trust (Registration No. CC50233) and its efforts to preserve New Zealand's sailing history, boat building traditions and skills of seafaring through apprenticeships, tuition and restoration on the Kate and other boats.

Read more about Waiheke Working Sail and the Kate:

http://www.waiehekeworkingsail.org/

About us

Using and teaching the skills and talents of existing local marine craftsmen and sailing experts ensuring that they are passed onto the next generation.

Use of funds

All funds will go to the Waiheke Working Sail trust in their efforts to preserve boating skills and history through apprenticeships, tuition and boat restoration.

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The end of an incredible journey! 8 October 2020

Mike and Cavatina are officially home safe and sound as of Wednesday 7 October 2020! Mike arrived sailing under bare poles with no diesel left around 6.00pm and was greeted by family, friends, and admirers alike. WWS trustees Bill Kinghorn and Bernard Rhodes were there to assist and even Allpress Coffee founder Michael Allpress came to say hello and present Mike with a large bag of Allpress coffee beans (which were thoroughly enjoyed this morning)!

Mike was emotional at the homecoming and grateful for the welcome. Mike was treated to a feast of fresh vegetables for dinner, including freshly dug up new potatoes and broad beans from the veggie garden at home, asparagus, and smoked salmon. He was in excellent spirits happily telling stories and laughing into the night.

Mike and WWS thank everyone for their amazing support and well wishes throughout this epic journey. Thank you all for your generous donations towards the Kate restoration and we're sure you'll see Mike out and about soon!

From all of us: thank you so very much!!

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