Not only were even more major yachts and launches being produced but it was a vintage year for centre-boarders too. The first international yachting event in this country since 1898 was about to be held on the Waitemata. In January 1939, apart from Hitler posturing in Europe (surely there won’t be another war?), and the Japanese army rampaging through China, all was well in Godzone.
Bill Couldrey’s reputation was soaring. Not only was he an incredibly good tradesman and an increasingly respected designer, but he was an intelligent and kindly man without the excesses of some in the trade. These virtues had impressed Arch Logan, who did not suffer fools gladly. Bill’s team at the Sulphur Beach yard consisted of his good friend Bert Ellis as foreman, Owen Peace and John McCormack – local Northcote men and Bill’s near-contemporaries.
The Australian 18-footers were due to arrive for
