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ePaper created 2014-06-11, 13:05:34 | version 1.30.01
127 gybed at the last minute but Patiko crossed 8 secs. in front.” New Zealand Herald, 2 February, 1963. Neil owned Patiko until 1965 when his new 42’ Bob Stewart design, Carmen was launched. Patiko was sold to Bert Christensen, who worked for Epiglass. He joined the Squadron for the 1964/65 season and was racing in 1969. He was elected Chairman of the Stewart Owners Association in 1970. Christensen sold to Malcolm Lerner in 1981. Richard Wilson bought her in 1982 and later sold to Kerry Alexander and John Hay who moored Patiko on the Wade River. InApril 1987,John & HelenToms & George Brigenshaw,purchased Patikofrom Kerry and Hay. They re-powered her in 1991 with a 27 hp Volvo diesel with a Saildrive and two-bladed folding prop. In 1992 John & Helen Toms took over full ownership. The Toms continued to maintain Patiko to a high standard and upgraded her systems for their purpose-cruising. She was purchased in 2007 by Bernie Marshall, who has brought Patiko back into the Auckland racing fleet. At the time of writing she was for sale for $52,000. Len Light, who also owns Prince Hal in 2009 bought Patiko and hopes to have her used as a youth training keel boat in the near future! Patrician Sail No. 2546 Builder: John Lidgard Launched: 1975 Construction: Cold moulded double diagonal kauri, glassed over Patrician was the last of six Stewart 34’s to be built by John Lidgard, this one for Spot Olsson. Lidgard completed the hull, decks and cabin top in August of 1975, and the owner completed the remainder of the work and launched her before year end. The second owner was Peter S. Huljich who had her for only a few years. Patrician was purchased by Eric Sugden and his family in June of 1979. Sugden began his sailing career at the age of 39, sailing Cherubs, Zephyrs and trailer sailors on Lake Karapiro near their home in Cambridge. They moved to Northcote, Auckland in 1979 and Eric joined the Squadron so he could build on his sailing experience. They raced Patrician in Squadron races to the Bay of Islands, Te Kouma and Whangaroa and cruised to Great Barrier and Mercury Islands. With a bit of time on his hands, Sugden took a job at Yachtspars, where he built the new aluminium mast for Patrician. This was about the same time as Stewarts were beginning to be built in fibreglass. Sugden recalls: “Our most memorable race was in the 1980 Squadron’s Olympic Race, when 3 wooden boats were 1st, 2nd and 3rd - Patrician, Pahi and Princess. There were about 18 starters flying kites.” He maintains that“wood is best.” Patrician featured many times in the Citizen Match Racing fleet, helmed by Harold Cudmore (2nd place, 1979), Gordon Ingate (6th place, 1980), Dick Deaver (2nd place, 1981), Paul Elvstrom (7th place, 1982), Roy Dickson (8th place, 1984) and Chris Dickson (3rd place, 1988). Patrician continues to race actively, regularly participating in the Squadron Wednesday night and Ladies series both summer and winter. She has also participated in the Blind Skipper Weekend and the annual Aussie versus New Zealand race. Patrician is still owned and raced by Eric Sugden and his son Colin. Patrician powers toward the windward mark in the 2003 Championship Series Charles Scoones