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ePaper created 2014-06-11, 13:05:34 | version 1.30.01
159 Promise Sail No. 4433 Builder: Export Yachts Launched: December 1980 Construction: Solid fibreglass Promise’s hull was the first of many fibreglass Stewarts to be built by Export Yachts. Her first owner was the M-Class sailor and renowned yacht designer Don Brooke. Brooke, following in his father’s footsteps, later became Commodore of the R.N.Z.Y.S. Promise was hauled out in 1982 and her keel was re-shaped. The original shape was too narrow although the weight was within the range acceptable to the Stewart Association. Two timber blisters were attached to the sides and glassed in. The lead was built up using epoxy micro-buttons. Roy Dickson and John Wood purchased her in 1982. In an Association letter dated July 1984 they were advised that the hull and decks from Export Yachts at the time of building Promise were too light (the hull by 180lbs.)andrequiredthatleadcorrectorsbeaddedatdecklevelbeforethe next season’s Squadron Races. ShewasownedforashorttimebyJohnWoodandin1986waspurchased by Murray Garrard. Promise had been swing tested and met Association Rules, and was in the fleet for some of the Citizen Match Races. America’s Cup icon Ted Turner drew and raced her in his one and only appearance in the Citizen Watch Match Racing Series. Garrard set about replacing the original small fuel tank with a 90-lite capacity stainless steel tank which he situated under the bridge deck. The 10 h.p. Volvo engine and Saildrive were replaced with a 27 h.p. Yanmar, and a large deep freeze/refrigerator was installed. He lined the bunks and bulkheads in teak ply with mahogany caps,installed 2 winches on the cabin top to handle the outhaul, spinnaker pole topper and boom vang. The small stove was replaced with one having a full oven, and a larger gas bottle was added. The rudder was re-designed to (in theory) virtually eliminate possibility of broaching. The hull colour was changed from orange/red to white with a blue whale stripe. Electronic wind instruments were installed. Garrard took Promise out for the farewell to Bob Stewart. A note from Murray Garrard: “Promise has raced - match racing, relay racing, teams racing, single-handed, two-handed, fully crewed, female crewed, 50/50 crewed, Rum races, Corporate Days, family cruising and Waterwise. The last named is where Training College students that are in involved in Optimist sailing programmes have several days keel sailing experience as part of their course. Promise, Patere & Polaris are the S-34’s involved. Promise has sailed in more than three hundred events in the last 5 years proving the popularity and versatility of the Patiki design. Promisewaspurchasedin1995byHeather&AdrianRhodensandR.McLaren. ShewaslaterownedbyBruceCorbettof Buckland’s BeachYacht Club where he raced her actively as well as in Ponsonby Cruising Club events during his few years of ownership. Corbett sold Promise to Brett Hampson July 2004 for $65,000. Promise had not been raced for a number of years. She was fitted with a furling headsail, one anchor with no warp, two spinnakers but no sheets, an old main and three hank-on headsails. A Yanmar 3GM30 engine and Sail drive were fitted in 1996. She had newly repainted topsides. Hampson’s first sail after purchasing Promise was in 10 knots of breeze. The first gybe promptly tore the traveller car off the Sarah and Pete take their vows aboard Promise Stewart Association Collection