Ku -Ring - Gai

Ku-Ring-Gai is a 1952 Halvorsen Bridge-Deck Cruiser and has been in the care of Michael Bartley since 1990 when David Ritchie was looking after her for its then current owner.

In 2005 David Ritchie and his wife Diana had the pleasure of becoming the ‘custodians’ (owners) of Ku-Ring-Gai. The intention was to restore and maintain her to the highest possible standard. They entrusted this task to Michael and his team, who have since restored her to her present glory.

The success of her restoration began with the early decision between David and Michael to not cut any corners in both the restoration and maintenance program of this historically significant craft. As a result, Ku-Ring-Gai is listed in the Australian Register of Historic Vessels, and her photo graces the front cover of “Wooden Boats, Iron Men - the Halvorsen Story” by Randi Svensen.

The late Mr Harold Halvorsen, and more recently Mr Carl Halvorsen, have commented during past Classic and Wooden Boat Shows that Ku-Ring-Gai looks “just as she did when she first came off the slip”. These words are very high praise indeed and a true reflection of the skills and ability of both Michael Bartley and his specialised team of artisans.

The Restoration

Over the winter of 1997, David and Michael decided the best course of action was to remove the deck of Ku-Ring-Gai, which was worn thin after many years of use. Michael stripped her back to bare beams, removing the cover boards, and deteriorated but original masonite lining. The beams were re-faired, and a plywood sub-deck was laid, and epoxy sheathed. The decision was made to use modern materials to ensure the longevity of the job.

Full thickness teak cover boards were fitted, and a beech deck was laid over a composite plywood deck which was also epoxy sheathed. A complete set of covers and yearly maintenance have ensured that the deck remains intact and watertight twenty four years later.

By chance, back in 2004, Michael was introduced to Ron Fennell, a fellow shipwright from Dora Creek. Ron had decided to sell his stock of Australian white beech, an extremely rare find given it was felled in the late 1950s. This purchase allowed for the next major phase of Ku-Ring-Gai’s restoration to begin at Woolwich Marina. The aft deck, bridge deck and side decks were replaced using the same method as the forward decks.

Ongoing yearly maintenance and future restoration works will continue at Phoebe Street Marina. Both David and Michael understand that the work required to keep such a historically significant craft to this high standard will never stop.