The Clyde Quay punt

This Friday’s fireside chat sees Mark Waters and Gavin Welsh talking about the Clyde Quay punt. For some months now the punt has been on the hardstand at Evans Bay getting some real attention.

She’s being recaulked, timbers replaced, painted, winch serviced, etc.

The punt is equipped with a high power manual winch, it has been used for a at least 100 years to service moorings in the marina, and has done other odd jobs around the harbour.

The Wellington City Council took over its management in the early 1990s when the Harbour Board ceased to exist. Around 10-15 years ago the Council abandoned it and did not care to replace it.

Recognising it as an indispensable tool for marina tenants, a small cohort got together to maintain it and run it at cost for marina tenants to service their mooring spots.

The earliest photo of the punt I can find is from 1928. It shows up in many photos of Clyde Quay through the years, including among the US Marines’ flotilla in August 1942.

It has worked hard for marina tenants for a century.

Tenants are required to maintain and regularly inspect their moorings. The punt allows tenants to remove old mooring blocks, add new ones, replace worn chain, and inspect them easily and at a reasonable cost. Commercial divers will do inspection work diligently as conditions allow, but visibility is extremely poor as soon the silt is disturbed. There is no substitute for being able to lift your tackle and inspect it in the clear light of day.

If you are interested in lending your support in any way, through providing materials, or labour, they can be contacted through the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club. It should be an interesting fireside chat this Friday.
Above: the punt pictured in 1928. Alexander Turnbull Library collection. Sharp eyes will notice Lizzie which is currently moored outside the clubhouse, moored next door but one.