Nature's in charge on this authentic sailing experience
O
nce upon a time, New Zealand’s oldest working gaff-rig ketch with its newly installed coal-burning steam engine was used to clear crayfish pots up north.
She was a popular sight as she returned to anchor blowing smoke rings from her funnel, a sign freshly cooked crays steamed in the engine room, were available to buy on arrival. Named after two brothers who owned the Fox Fishing Company, and called themselves the Fox Two, the ketch
was built Auckland in 1922, from one giant kauri tree by one man, and used initially as a cargo ship. Thirty years ago, in the South Island, it was turned into a commercial sailing vessel and the Fox II has been plying the waters of Akaroa Harbour and Banks Peninsula ever since.
A life well lived Sir Peter Blake owned Fox II for a while but today skipper and owner Roy Borelli’s at the helm.