PROJECT SUMMARY

Project summary

Designer and builder
Logan Bros, Auckland
Built and launched
1904–1905
Original type
Flush-decked keel cutter
Rig
Gaff cutter with jackyard topsail
Principal dimensions
Length overall (LOA) 54 ft · Load waterline (LWL) 37 ft 6 in · Beam 9 ft 8 in · Draft 7 ft 6 in
Original owner
A. T. “Harry” Pittar, Sydney

Design and history

A. T. “Harry” Pittar commissioned Rawhiti from Logan Bros for racing in Sydney. Launched in 1905, she was among the largest and latest of the Logan keel cutters.

Rawhiti was later converted from gaff to Bermudan rig and became a successful Sydney Harbour racer during the 1930s. Hec Marler brought her back to New Zealand in 1946.

By the early twenty-first century, a doghouse, wheel steering, a reduced rig and changes to the counter, rudder and deck arrangement had substantially altered the original yacht.

Greg Lee and Sam Stubbs acquired Rawhiti in 2005. Peter Brookes subsequently led the six-year restoration, generally dated 2007–2011.

Andrew Barnes and Peter bought Rawhiti together in 2021. Peter now co-owns, skippers and races her.

Rawhiti during restoration
Rawhiti during the 2007–2011 restoration, when structure, deck arrangement, counter, rudder, steering and rig were addressed as one connected design.
RESTORATION BRIEF

Restoration brief

The work was not limited to repairing individual components.

Rawhiti’s form, structure, deck arrangement, counter, rudder, steering and gaff-cutter sail plan were addressed as one connected design.

The result returned Rawhiti to active sailing and A-class racing rather than preserving her as a display vessel.

Project timeline

1905 — Logan Bros launched Rawhiti for A. T. “Harry” Pittar’s Sydney racing programme.

1946 — Hec Marler returned Rawhiti to New Zealand.

2007–2011 — Peter Brookes led the six-year restoration.

2021 onward — Peter Brookes co-owns, skippers and races Rawhiti.

Traditional work during Rawhiti restoration
Triple-skin kauri planking exposed during Rawhiti’s 2000s rebuild.
RESTORATION EVIDENCE

Images and evidence

Rawhiti in an historic sailing photograph, shown uncropped
Archival sailing photograph used to set Rawhiti’s early sailing context.
Rawhiti sailing under full sail, representing her New Zealand racing life
Rawhiti under sail after restoration, returned to active A-class racing rather than display use.
Restoration work on Rawhiti
Structural work during Rawhiti’s restoration.
Rawhiti sailing under full sail in active use
Rawhiti in active use, reflecting the restoration brief’s focus on sailing and racing.

Project enquiries

Every wooden yacht presents a different combination of construction, condition, history and intended use.

Speak with Peter Brookes about what should be retained, what requires attention and the right scope for the work.

CONTACT PETER