Website design By BotEap.comThe Maori name ‘Patiki’, meaning ‘flat fish’, was given to New Zealand’s first class of ballastless daggerboard racing, designed by Arch Logan around the turn of the century. The new design was originally commissioned by the Parnell Yacht Club, and differed from other racing classes of the day in that it was flatter on the floors than usual and had a shallow draft.

Website design By BotEap.comThe low wooden hull with minimal overhangs was half deck and the rig was carried well forward with a shank head jib. The lack of a bowsprit, on that day, was especially notable. The first Patiki had a LOA of 18’6 “, but later larger and much faster boats were produced.

Website design By BotEap.comOf these larger vessels, a sturdy fishing patiki was built specifically to compete with the mullet boat fleets of the time.

Website design By BotEap.comOne of them, the Kia Ora, was built by Arch Logan in Auckland for Bob Murray, and was launched in 1902.

Website design By BotEap.comThe fish market was based on who could get their catch first. As ballasted mullet ships struggled to reach port, patiki owners were already ashore and selling their fish at the best prices. The boating performance was so successful that Bob Murray was able, in his first year of fishing, to buy three houses with the proceeds.

Website design By BotEap.comKia Ora is the last patiki that exists.

Website design By BotEap.comIt is built with kauri and measures 24’6 “LOA, beam 9 ‘, draft 1’3” with rudder up (otherwise 2’). Draft increases to 7’6 “when the steel daggerboard is dropped via a pivot system. The 40 ‘neck is made from Oregon in a typical Logan design.

Website design By BotEap.comOriginally a grapple rigger, Kia Ora installed a Bermudan rigger in 1935 along with a bowsprit. Alf believed that it was the first fishing boat in Auckland to have an engine installed. The current engine is a 6.5 hp Katsura diesel.

Website design By BotEap.comIn optimal sailing conditions (calm seas and strong wind), the Kia Ora has been known to plan on gliding, a feat generally reserved for survival conditions on ordinary yachts or large centerboard ocean racing boats.

Website design By BotEap.comEventually patiki classes were kicked out of racing events because they were so fast that no one could compete and there weren’t enough of their own class to be a popular division in most early yacht clubs.

Website design By BotEap.comThe last of the heavier construction work patiki, with the exception of the Kia Ora, disappeared in 1958.

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