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ePaper created 2014-06-11, 13:05:34 | version 1.30.01
150 He commented: “She was a‘class’ boat and could beat anything except on the wind.” Stewart and his son-in-law,Richard Craddock,raced together for a season or two before Stewart retired from racing. Craddock purchased Precedent and continued racing for a few more years. Craddock commented:“Bob could be a grizzly old skipper but was marvellous in light weather. One Anniversary Regatta we went right on past the mark and kept going towards the Motuihe channel and nearer the shore of Rangitoto to get a thermal and got to the A Buoy first! Bob had seen a calm patch to the north-east and avoided it by rock-hopping along the shoreline.” Helen Craddock, Stewart’s daughter, remembers very well the extra effort on board when re-entering the harbour. “Dad would be watching out for our return so sails had to be set just right and the helmsman had to be on the ball as they sailed past Paratai Drive. And the mooring buoy at Hobson Bay had to be picked up first time! The tea towel welcome would be waved from the window and either Dad or Mum would come down in the car to pick up children and gear.” Each March Stewart and his cronies would sail off for two weeks fishing and sailing, teasing their worried children as they rowed out to the boat,“Have you got your heart pills, what about your blood pressure tablets?” It was always a relief when they returned safe and sound. After Bob Stewart’s passing, Richard Craddock continued sailing Precedent for some years before selling to Don and Liz Uljee who owned her until 2000, when they sold to the present owners, Niall Heath and Barry Holton. Heath and Holton were keen to get into keelboat sailing and had originally considered the Ross 930. A friend suggested they look at the Stewarts and after a day of sailing with Don Uljee, the hook was set. They both fell in love with her and realised that a Stewart would be a lot easier to sell to the family, as it was a great option for cruising the Gulf. Heath wrote:“Barry and I have learnt a lot with the Stewarts, race regularly with them and enjoy the camaraderie that close racing and shared experiences brings. We are still learning every year and have had some good results on occasion but still reside more or less in the middle of the fleet due to our inexperience (only 8 years ). We are sailing against others that are very dedicated, know these boats inside out and have a strong pedigree in the sport and have been sailing them for 30 years or more in some cases so are not feeling disappointed at this and enjoy getting out fortnightly during the year to race. We are the current Collinson Forex non-spinnaker champions on line 2 years running and looking to make it 3 in a row but knowing we will be up against it this year. We have cruised the boat each year around the Gulf, Great Barrier Island and the Bay of Islands with our families who also love to get out and enjoy the cruising life on the water.” Prelude Sail No. 1181 Builder: Keith Atkinson Launched: 1971 Construction: Strip plank kauri, steel keel Prelude was built for Dr.Trevor H. Bierre. David Craig had met Bob Stewart at church, and had sailed with him on M-Class as a young man. When it came time to purchase a family yacht, Bob suggested one of his 34-footers. Craig followed his advice and purchased Prelude in 1974. Prelude’s previous owner had set her up for charter trade, installing a 50hp Perkins diesel engine and extra handrails on deck. Dave Craig hadn’t sailed in many years and was a tad rusty as they departed Half Moon Bay marina on their maiden voyage in calm conditions. A rather nasty storm piped up and the Craigs found themselves in rain and a howling gale. Dave went forward to drop the main. A strong gust hit, and Dave’s wife couldn’t get the mainsheet out of the cleat. Prelude went over on her side, with the mast touching the water. Dave went overboard. As he was working his way to the stern, pulling hand over hand along the lifelines, Prelude suddenly righted herself and Dave was lifted back up on board. The Craigs enjoyed more than 20 years of cruising on Prelude, visiting many out-of-the-way spots along the east coast of the North Island. With four kids of their own, and friends along, they sometimes had a dozen people on board.