Rekindling the MULLET LEGACY

With their massive spread of sail, mullet boats are among the most recognisable yachts on Auckland harbour. They also carry a rich tradition.

As has taken place for more than a hundred years, mullet boats race every weekend from Westhaven’s Ponsonby Cruising Club (PCC). This all began after a humble fishing boat was recognised for its recreational sailing potential. PCC adopted the class in about 1902 and it has been the home of the mullety fleet ever since.

But the story and development of these boats begins in the 1860s when a profitable mullet fishery was identified and boats of a specific design were needed to work the inlets and estuaries where the mullet were most abundant. The requirement was for a shallow-draught vessel able to work the tidal estuaries and have a turn of speed to get the catch back to Auckland in a saleable condition.

Thus was developed a hull 22 to 26 feet in length, shallow and wide with a steel centreboard, fish-carrying space either side of the centre-case, a sleeping cuddy for two crewmen forward and a generous spread of sail to get the catch home in good condition. First home got the best price from the buyers at the bottom of Queen Street.

By the early 1900s the demand for mullet had declined (or the fishery became depleted), and the existing boats had been adopted by mainstream Auckland yachtsmen as a “semi one-design” class for competitive racing. A set of design and sail restrictions for 20’, 22’, 24’ and 26’ boats was drawn up and thus began the interest and momentum in a class of racing yacht that is vibrant to this day.

In 1904 PCC began a relationship with Sir Thomas Lipton by writing to him and offering him the honorary position of Vice-president. He graciously agreed and from then on was kept up to date with the Auckland yachting scene, and in particular PCC’S agenda.

At some point the club sent him a photograph of the flag officers and committee members standing outside the Esplanade Hotel in Devonport. Nothing was said but the subtle deception was intended to suggest to Sir Thomas that the Hotel was in fact PCC’S clubrooms. And although the club lived in fear of a visitation, he never visited

New Zealand and the relationship and deception remained intact.

In 1920 PCC asked Sir Thomas if he’d donate a trophy to promote class racing within the club. Once again he accepted and a magnificently ornate cup was made and sent. Given the fleet of regular 22’ mullet boats racers, the 22’ L class became the competition for the Annual Trophy.

The first race – in 1922 – was won by Valeria, designed by Arch Logan. She won six times up to 1936 during which time interest had grown and as the fleets got larger the inter-club rivalry intensified. Ferries filled with spectators absorbed the action and betting, though illegal, was fast and furious. Tamariki, a Collings and Bell design began her ascendency in 1935 and in her career won 13 times.