And Rainbow was Born
In the 1890’s the great UK marine architect George Watson abandoned all the recognised principles of yacht design and set out to blaze a new trail with Britannia for the Royal Family. Controversy raged as Britannia was launched in 1893 but fell away quickly as it became apparent that the Prince of Wales yacht was an outstanding success.
Ripples of interest spread around the world. The ripples reached Auckland. The canny Logan brothers noted the new ideas and itched for a chance to put them to trial. Their opportunity came when the ubiquitous A.T. Pittar asked the brothers to build him a fast 50 foot cruiser. This was the big moment. The Watson principles were applied at a drawing board in Auckland. The lines of the ‘fast cruiser’, a modest description if ever there was one, were lofted.
And Rainbow was born.
Here was one of the most graceful yachts to ever adorn the Waitemata Harbour. She was 34 feet on the waterline, beam was 8’8” feet and draught 6’8” feet. Bow and counter were lean but her midship section showed firm bilges, and her fore and aft underwater lines gave a flat run. She carried her 1,200-odd feet of sail (gaff cutter rig) quite comfortably. She was immediately Auckland champion.
Noel Holmes
Century of Sail
|
|
|
