LAKATOI

The lakatoi is a Papua New Guinean outrigger sailing canoe dugout from a tree log.

There is nothing like it on the East Coast.

A farmer dumped a fallen tree right into our lap.

Once the log for the hull was cut I needed a piece for the outrigger.

I was once sailing off Port Moresby inside the reef when all of a sudden a small canoe zapped across our bows narrowly missing our 46 foot fibre glass cruising yacht.

I looked up to see another 30 of these unmanned boats coming in or direction. There was a few scarey moments in working out if we were in danger of a collision.

Since that day I have always wanted to build one.

The aim is to get this one sailing and instilling enthusiasm in others to do likewise. Maybe then we can hold and annual lakatoi race across our mighty Clarence River.

With the mast raked well forward the centre of effort was over the bow. This caused her to want to sail to the bottom of the river.

After cutting its shape with a chain saw it was time to cut out the hull.

Adjustment of rigging and rudder and were were soon ready for another attempt.

Launching day came and finding a quiet and lonely spot on the river was easy.

And she's off.

Not fast, the hastily built rudder needs some refining.