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Naurvoo is a substantially modified (Easy 11.6) (38 feet) Catamaran. The design, by Queenslander Peter Snell, was known as an "Easy Catamaran" though it proved anything but that, taking boatbuilder Phil Wright over 12 years of actually building time to complete but actually, over 31 years before it was finally launched on the 19th May 2025.
Phil Wright is the great grandsons of John Wright, founder of Tuncurry, NSW and of Wright Shipyards, a business that began in 1875 with several generations of the family managing the business until its closure in 1958.
Despite this family boat-building connection Phil Wright had no previous experience with building boats.
For some, as yet unexplained reason, in the early 1990’s Phil decided he was going to build a catamaran and go off sailing the oceans of the world. While this is a dream he never came to realise he did in fact ultimately achieve at least the construction of an impressive boat.
The story began in 1994 when he optimistically sought out plans for a suitable catamaran that he could by a process of trial and error teach himself how to build. After selecting Peter Snell's 11.6m Easy Catamaran he began construction of the rudders, frames and keels in his double car garage at Green Point, near Forster, NSW but this space soon proved much too restrictive to allow the project to proceed.
The decision to sell and buy a property with a house and large shed to house the boat was finally taken and in the early 2000's he sold his home in Green Point and moved to Timbertops, an acreage subdivision just north of Darawank, about 10kms north of Tuncurry.
By June of 2010 the boat, which can sleep up to 7 people, was well advanced, though some 16 years after its construction had begun. Construction was at times slow, always dependent on available funds, family circumstances and on the motivation to struggle through difficult construction challenges, often necessitating researching new technologies and materials all the while having to learn new skills.
Phil was also fortunate that he had several friends who were willing to assist him whenever he needed help. While there were many others, two bear particular mention, Laurie Kilham and Robert Smith.
Some jobs such as completing the electrical wiring required specialised skills and, in such cases, experts were hired.
Most of the work however was carried out on a trial-and-error basis and sometimes this resulted in errors resulting in the need to rebuild some sections of the boat due to incorrect calculations, building construction methods or faulty selection of building materials or components.
As his knowledge of construction methods, materials and skill level grew progress was made, though lack of motivation and money sometimes meant that the boat sat idle, sometimes for several years before work would continue.
However, by February of 2014, some 20 years after construction had begun, the boat was finally ready to be raised to allow rollers to be placed under its keels in readiness to allow it to be winched outside the shed onto two concrete pads.
The operation to remove it outside the shed took place on Friday 15th March 2014.
On the 20th of February 2016, 22 years after construction began, the boat was moved by crane and lowloader about 250m to two newly laid concrete pads at the front of his Timbertops property.
The plan was then to fit it out with rigging, mast and sails and launch it into the Wallamba River as soon as funding became available.
This was going to be a costly exercise at the time involving potentially over $30,000 to complete. With Phil's retirement from paid work at around that time the necessary motivations and finances to complete the sail rigging and move the boat to the water became more and more challenging. This resulted in the boat, though for all intents and purposes finished, remaining on its blocks for another 9 years with almost no further work done on it during that period.
Finally, in April of 2025, now 31 years after construction had begun, an offer was made to buy the boat as it was, structurally finished, but for the sail rigging.
After some consideration Phil accepted the offer and finally made the decision to sell the boat to an enthusiastic buyer intent on finally getting it completed and in the water as soon as was possible.
The new owners were soon on-site cleaning up the boat and after a bit of hard yakka the boat scrubbed up looking a million dollars.
On the 19th May 2025 the boat was finally lifted by crane onto a lowloader and moved to the Wallamba River, north of Tuncurry where in untimely torrential rain the 5 tonne boat was lowered by crane into a rapidly rising Wallamba River.
(On May 21st 2025 Taree, on the Manning River just 30 kms north, suffered its most devastaing flood in recorded memory with the river rising to 6.44 m.)
It was a joy to behold for those who had watched this boats construction over such long a period to see it finally hit the water.
Phil had always had concerns that the boat would be too heavy however once floating of its own accord it became clear it was sitting perfectly in the water, a great source of relief for all involved.
With the rain tumbling down it wasn't long before the new owners were able to get the twin outboards on the boat fired up and immediately move it downstream to Tuncurry then across Wallis Lake to Coomba Bay, on the southern end of Wallis Lake.
Flickr Album - Moving - Launching Naurvoo
The whole operation was carried out just a day before the Wallamba River broke its banks and flooded.
With the boat now at Coomba Bay the owners, Lee and Debbie Roper plan to crane the boat out of the water onto dry land where the vessel will be fully rigged and some structural changes made.
Once the necessary work is completed the boat will be renamed "Affinity 3 of Naurvoo" and then sailed down the coast to Brisbane Water on the lower Central Coast where it will be permanently based in Hardys Bay.
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The Hippenseppenhof Farmhouse, built in 1599, is the oldest building in the Black Forest Open-Air Museum (Schwarzwälder Freilichtmuseum Vogtsbauernhof), located in Gutach, Germany. The museum showcases the architectural, cultural, and agricultural history of the Black Forest region through a collection of farmhouses, barns, and other historical structures. These buildings, spanning from the 16th to the 19th century, have been carefully dismantled, transported, and reconstructed at the museum site.
The Hippenseppenhof itself highlights the traditional craftsmanship of the era, with exhibitions focusing on cuckoo clocks and wickerwork—important cultural products of the Black Forest. The museum also features interactive exhibits and workshops demonstrating local traditions, including straw painting and woodworking. Guided tours in both German and English provide an in-depth look at the region's heritage.
The museum offers more than just historical exploration—it includes modern amenities like the nearby Cuckoo's Nest restaurant, which serves fresh, locally sourced dishes and offers regional memorabilia for visitors to take home.
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Hotel Gerig is a traditional, family-run establishment located in the center of Wassen, in the Canton of Uri, Switzerland.
The hotel has been operated by the Gerig family for multiple generations, with Judith and Daniel Lampart-Gerig currently serving as the hosts. Their passion for hospitality is evident in their warm and professional service, ensuring guests feel completely at ease during their stay.
The hotel underwent comprehensive renovations to modernize its facilities while preserving its traditional charm. The updated interior now reflects a blend of contemporary comfort and classic Swiss aesthetics. Notably, the hotel features numerous artistic elements, showcasing Daniel Lampart-Gerig's enthusiasm for painting.
The on-site restaurant offers a variety of fresh and diverse dishes, catering to different tastes. Guests can enjoy their meals in a modern dining area or relax with a beverage in the lounge, all while experiencing the genuine hospitality that the Gerig family is known for.
While specific historical details about the hotel's founding and evolution are limited, its longstanding operation by the Gerig family highlights a deep-rooted commitment to providing quality service and maintaining the hotel's esteemed reputation in the region. Chat GPT
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The hand sculpture at O Quy Ho Pass is a popular tourist attraction near the Heaven’s Gate area, which is located at the top of the O Quy Ho Pass in Sapa. This hand-shaped structure is part of the growing trend of creating dramatic, scenic photo opportunities for visitors. It is designed to resemble a giant hand reaching out towards the sky, symbolising an invitation to experience the majestic views of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain range and the surrounding landscape. The concept behind such sculptures often ties into themes of nature and human connection, reflecting the serene and mythical atmosphere of the area.
O Quy Ho Pass itself is known for its breathtaking scenery, and the hand sculpture adds a unique, artistic touch to this famous destination. Visitors often come to "hunt clouds" or capture stunning photos with the dramatic mountain backdrop, particularly at sunrise or sunset. This area, including the Heaven’s Gate, is considered one of the best places in Vietnam to witness the grandeur of the Northwest’s natural beauty.
If you're interested in exploring this spot, you can also visit nearby attractions like Silver Waterfall and Muong Hoa Valley, making it a well-rounded adventure in the region (Vietnam Discovery Travel)(Lily's Travel Agency)
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Can anyone else confirm this tentative ID?
Family : Convolvulaceae
From Chat GPT -
Cuscuta chinensis and Cassytha filiformis are both parasitic plants with similar growth habits, which can make them superficially similar in appearance. However, they belong to different families and have distinct characteristics that can help distinguish them.
Similarities:
Parasitic Nature: Both plants are parasitic and rely on host plants for nutrients.
Twining Growth Habit: They both have twining, thread-like stems that wrap around host plants.
Lack of Leaves: Both species have reduced or absent leaves, relying on their host for photosynthesis.
Differences:
Family:
Cuscuta chinensis belongs to the Convolvulaceae (morning glory) family.
Cassytha filiformis belongs to the Lauraceae (laurel) family.
Stem Color:
Cuscuta chinensis typically has yellow to orange stems.
Cassytha filiformis generally has greenish to yellow-green stems.
Flowers:
Cuscuta chinensis has small, white to cream-colored flowers that are generally grouped in clusters.
Cassytha filiformis also produces small flowers, but they are often greenish-white or yellowish and are less conspicuous.
Host Interaction:
Cuscuta chinensis attaches to a wide variety of herbaceous and woody plants.
Cassytha filiformis is more commonly found on woody plants and shrubs, often in coastal areas.
Geographical Distribution:
Cuscuta chinensis is more widely distributed in agricultural and disturbed areas, including regions like Hanoi.
Cassytha filiformis is more common in coastal and open environments.
Identification Tips:
Examine the color of the stems: Cuscuta chinensis will have more vibrant yellow or orange stems, while Cassytha filiformis will tend toward greenish hues.
Check the environment: Cuscuta chinensis is more likely to be found in agricultural or disturbed inland areas, while Cassytha filiformis is associated with coastal regions.
Look at the flowers: Although both plants have small flowers, the color and arrangement may help in identification.
While they can be mistaken for each other at a quick glance due to their similar twining habit, careful observation of these differences can help correctly identify them.
From Chat GPT -
Cassytha filiformis (Lauraceae) is a parasitic plant found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of Southeast Asia. However, it is more commonly found in coastal areas, open forests, and disturbed sites rather than in urban or inland areas.
In Vietnam, Cassytha filiformis is typically found in coastal regions and along the southern parts of the country. While it may be present in some areas of northern Vietnam, including the broader region around Hanoi, it is less common there compared to the southern and central coastal regions.
If you're looking for Cassytha filiformis in the Hanoi area specifically, it may be challenging to find it naturally, as the species is more likely to be found in habitats closer to the coast or in areas with more open, disturbed environments.
In terms of other Cassytha species, they tend to have similar habitat preferences, often thriving in coastal regions, forests, and disturbed areas. There isn’t another Cassytha species known to be more likely to be found in the Hanoi area specifically. The genus is not typically associated with the urban or inland environments of northern Vietnam, making any Cassytha species relatively uncommon in Hanoi.
If you're looking for a similar parasitic plant that might be found in the Hanoi area, it would be more relevant to explore other genera and families known to occur in that region, such as species from the Cuscuta (dodder) genus, which are also parasitic plants and can be found in a variety of habitats, including more temperate regions and disturbed areas.
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On the 19th May 2025 an Easy 11.6 metre (38 feet) catamaran designed by Queenslander Peter Snell and built by Phil Wright was craned from a nearby property and loaded onto a lowloader and transported here and lifted by crane then launched into the Wallamba River.
The builder, Phil Wright, had sold the boat to Debbie and Lee Roper who had organised the transport to the river.
It had taken 12 years to build the boat however there were long periods of time when no work was done on the boat, extending the actual number of years that passed from commencement of construction in 1994 to final launch on this day, 19th May 2025, to 31.
Photos of the moving and launch operation directly precede this image and are held in THIS ALBUM
On the launch day (19th May 2025) torrential rain hampered the operation though did not materially impact the launch.
By 21st May continuing heavy rain resulted in the Wallamba River breaking its banks and flooding the low-lying land on both sides of the river.
It was indeed fortunate that the owners of the vessel were able to get away with the launch.
The vessel was motored down the Wallamba River to Tuncurry and then across Wallis Lake to Coomba Bay on the southern end of Wallis Lake.
The process of installing the rigging and sails will take place there before the boat is eventually sailed down to the Brisbane Water on the Central Coast of NSW and to its new home in Hardys Bay.
On the 19th May the tent seen in this photo had been erected near the edge of the river - see note. Fortunately a good Samaritan, realising that the river was rising quickly, pulled it down and dragged it to higher ground.
The 21st May saw the Wallamba River flood but it was far less problematic than the record 6.44m destructive flood that engulfed the Manning River just 30kms up the coast at Taree.
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The Reformed Church of Ennetbühl was established in 1755.
It is associated with the Swiss Reformed Church, which follows the Reformed (Calvinist) tradition of Protestant Christianity. This denomination is one of the largest in Switzerland and is rooted in the teachings of reformers such as Huldrych Zwingli and John Calvin. The Swiss Reformed Church is known for its emphasis on scripture, simplicity in worship, and a decentralized church structure.
Ennetbühl became an independent parish for the Reformed community. Prior to its establishment, parishioners from Ennetbühl were part of the parishes of Nesslau or Krummenau.
Ennetbühl is a village located in the municipality of Nesslau, within the Toggenburg region of the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. The municipality of Nesslau was formed on January 1, 2013, through the merger of the former municipalities of Nesslau-Krummenau and Stein.
The Toggenburg region, where Ennetbühl is situated, is characterized by its diverse landscape, including flat terrain, gently rolling hills, and jagged mountains. Historically, the inhabitants of this region primarily engaged in farming, with the weaving industry providing a supplementary income. The emergence of the manual embroidery industry led to the conversion of domestic weaving cellars into embroidery workshops.
Today, Ennetbühl and its surrounding areas offer various recreational activities, such as the Schneeschuhtrail Hemberg–Ennetbühl, a snowshoe trail that allows visitors to explore the picturesque landscapes of the region.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
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This rather inconspicuous restaurant almost escaped our attention as we searched for a lunch stop along our route. We were heading to some isolated county via the scenic Klausen Pass and ultimately to Wassen. Apparently there are 6 restaurants in Nestal. We were lucky to find this one after another we found was just closing.
The Landstasse Road here was narrow and very busy, even being a bit dangerous due to fast moving traffic. There was also little available parking. The imposing Glärnisch Mountain provides a spectacular backdrop to the town.
From the outside this place didn't immediately catch our attention as an eating establishment but fortunately we stuck our heads in the door, and we were able to order a meal.
Netstal is a village in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland and it's notable for several attractions and industries:
Industrial Heritage: Netstal is home to the Kalkfabrik Netstal AG, a company specializing in mining and refining limestone into high-quality lime products.
Cultural Attractions: The village features the Kraftwerkmuseum Löntsch, a museum dedicated to the history of hydroelectric power in the region, and the Fishing Museum Mettlen, which showcases the local fishing heritage.
Netstal is situated near the Löntschtobel, a scenic gorge offering hiking opportunities and natural beauty.
The village of Netstalhas a rich history, with landmarks such as the Netstal Catholic Church and the Swiss Reformed Church, reflecting its cultural heritage.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
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Thac Bac Waterfall (Silver Waterfall) is an impressive 200m high waterfall in Ô Quí Hồ, Tỉnh Lào Cai province, Vietnam. It is conveniently located right next to National Highway 4D, just 15kms from Sapa. The altitude at the top of the waterfall is 2,000masl and the altitude at the bridge on O Quy Ho pass is 1,800masl. The water flows down in a series of steps with a pathway running up the hill with several bridges crossing the stream at various intervals
The drive from Sapa to the waterfall is very scenic, towering mountains, terraced fields rice and other crops as well as lush rainforest vegetation delight the eye.
We were extremely fortunate to see the Silver Waterfall in full flow, after very heavy rain in the province just a day or two before our arrival.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
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Lang Chay - Restaurant & Coffee is conveniently located high on the hillside right on a walking path through the Muong Moa Valley not far from Sapa.
The views are super panoramic of the mountains, valley and lush green rice paddys below.
The food served is vegetarian and most things on the menu are vegan, though the meals may contain egg, just ask them not add egg when ordering if that's your wish.
A sampling of the menu includes spring rolls, dumplings, rice and veg, noodles and veg, French fries and rice in bamboo.
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To the west of Vaduz lies the Alpstein massif, part of the Appenzell Alps in Switzerland. This range is characterized by dramatic peaks that rise steeply above the Rhine Valley. Some prominent peaks include:
Hoher Kasten (1,795 m): A well-known peak with a revolving restaurant at its summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
Säntis (2,502 m): The highest peak in the Alpstein massif and a dominant feature of the skyline to the west of Vaduz. Säntis is visible from far across the region and is famous for its weather station and panoramic vistas.
Altmann (2,435 m): A jagged, striking peak near Säntis, adding to the dramatic western skyline.
The Alpstein range is an iconic part of the landscape west of Vaduz, providing a picturesque view over the Rhine Valley and into Switzerland.
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Our short 2 day visit to Vaduz in August 2023 coincided with a Beatles-themed event focussed on the Vaduz Town Square, On Saturday, August 12, 2023, the Kulturverein Triangel hosted the 2nd Vaduz Grand Casino Beatles Party at the Vaduz Town Hall Square.
The event featured performances by the Blue Shoes Band and HELP!, offering an evening dedicated to Beatles music for fans and attendees.
Additionally, the Vaduz Classic 2023 festival concluded on Sunday evening with a popular concert format titled "Evergreens for You," which included timeless hits, potentially featuring Beatles songs.
These events provided opportunities for Beatles enthusiasts to enjoy live performances of the band's music in Vaduz during August 2023.
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Google Lens suggested that this plant could be Cannabis sativa - Marijuana ??
Can anyone confirm that. I didn't think at the time that it was some sort of Bamboo. There are other plants that can be mistaken for Cannabis sativa, which is actually not legally able to be grown in Vietnam. This clump was near a main tourist walking pathway which makes me suspect that perhaps it's a look alike plant.
ID assistance appreciated.
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We weren't sure but we thought this may have been some sort of training facility, perhaps a hangover from the Vietnam War.
It was located very near to where Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House was located and we thought, still inside the Hanoi Botanic Gardens?
The kids in Vietnam who use this slippery dip must be tough though, judging by the concrete they land on at its base.
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Naurvoo is a substantially modified (Easy 11.6) (38 feet) Catamaran. The design, by Queenslander Peter Snell, was known as an "Easy Catamaran" though it proved anything but that, taking boatbuilder Phil Wright over 12 years of actually building time to complete but actually, over 31 years before it was finally launched on the 19th May 2025.
Phil Wright is the great grandsons of John Wright, founder of Tuncurry, NSW and of Wright Shipyards, a business that began in 1875 with several generations of the family managing the business until its closure in 1958.
Despite this family boat-building connection Phil Wright had no previous experience with building boats.
For some, as yet unexplained reason, in the early 1990’s Phil decided he was going to build a catamaran and go off sailing the oceans of the world. While this is a dream he never came to realise he did in fact ultimately achieve at least the construction of an impressive boat.
The story began in 1994 when he optimistically sought out plans for a suitable catamaran that he could by a process of trial and error teach himself how to build. After selecting Peter Snell's 11.6m Easy Catamaran he began construction of the rudders, frames and keels in his double car garage at Green Point, near Forster, NSW but this space soon proved much too restrictive to allow the project to proceed.
The decision to sell and buy a property with a house and large shed to house the boat was finally taken and in the early 2000's he sold his home in Green Point and moved to Timbertops, an acreage subdivision just north of Darawank, about 10kms north of Tuncurry.
By June of 2010 the boat, which can sleep up to 7 people, was well advanced, though some 16 years after its construction had begun. Construction was at times slow, always dependent on available funds, family circumstances and on the motivation to struggle through difficult construction challenges, often necessitating researching new technologies and materials all the while having to learn new skills.
Phil was also fortunate that he had several friends who were willing to assist him whenever he needed help. While there were many others, two bear particular mention, Laurie Kilham and Robert Smith.
Some jobs such as completing the electrical wiring required specialised skills and, in such cases, experts were hired.
Most of the work however was carried out on a trial-and-error basis and sometimes this resulted in errors resulting in the need to rebuild some sections of the boat due to incorrect calculations, building construction methods or faulty selection of building materials or components.
As his knowledge of construction methods, materials and skill level grew progress was made, though lack of motivation and money sometimes meant that the boat sat idle, sometimes for several years before work would continue.
However, by February of 2014, some 20 years after construction had begun, the boat was finally ready to be raised to allow rollers to be placed under its keels in readiness to allow it to be winched outside the shed onto two concrete pads.
The operation to remove it outside the shed took place on Friday 15th March 2014.
On the 20th of February 2016, 22 years after construction began, the boat was moved by crane and lowloader about 250m to two newly laid concrete pads at the front of his Timbertops property.
The plan was then to fit it out with rigging, mast and sails and launch it into the Wallamba River as soon as funding became available.
This was going to be a costly exercise at the time involving potentially over $30,000 to complete. With Phil's retirement from paid work at around that time the necessary motivations and finances to complete the sail rigging and move the boat to the water became more and more challenging. This resulted in the boat, though for all intents and purposes finished, remaining on its blocks for another 9 years with almost no further work done on it during that period.
Finally, in April of 2025, now 31 years after construction had begun, an offer was made to buy the boat as it was, structurally finished, but for the sail rigging.
After some consideration Phil accepted the offer and finally made the decision to sell the boat to an enthusiastic buyer intent on finally getting it completed and in the water as soon as was possible.
The new owners were soon on-site cleaning up the boat and after a bit of hard yakka the boat scrubbed up looking a million dollars.
On the 19th May 2025 the boat was finally lifted by crane onto a lowloader and moved to the Wallamba River, north of Tuncurry where in untimely torrential rain the 5 tonne boat was lowered by crane into a rapidly rising Wallamba River.
(On May 21st 2025 Taree, on the Manning River just 30 kms north, suffered its most devastaing flood in recorded memory with the river rising to 6.44 m.)
It was a joy to behold for those who had watched this boats construction over such long a period to see it finally hit the water.
Phil had always had concerns that the boat would be too heavy however once floating of its own accord it became clear it was sitting perfectly in the water, a great source of relief for all involved.
With the rain tumbling down it wasn't long before the new owners were able to get the twin outboards on the boat fired up and immediately move it downstream to Tuncurry then across Wallis Lake to Coomba Bay, on the southern end of Wallis Lake.
Flickr Album - Moving - Launching Naurvoo
The whole operation was carried out just a day before the Wallamba River broke its banks and flooded.
With the boat now at Coomba Bay the owners, Lee and Debbie Roper plan to crane the boat out of the water onto dry land where the vessel will be fully rigged and some structural changes made.
Once the necessary work is completed the boat will be renamed "Affinity 3 of Naurvoo" and then sailed down the coast to Brisbane Water on the lower Central Coast where it will be permanently based in Hardys Bay.
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When one is travelling in a foreign country like Vietnam, where all the signage is in Vietnamese, as are the tourist maps, it can be difficult to get one's bearings, much less remember the names of the settlements you pass through.
While trekking from Sapa to Lao Chải the trail basically follows the ridge line above the Mông Hòa Stream. This affords wonderful views of the settlement patterns and agricultural pursuits of this lush green valley, basically rice and corn. As you get closer to the Lao Chải–Sang Haí area the trail comes down the mountain to a broader flood plain with the Muong Hoa stream at its centre.
The Mường Hoa Valley, is known for its stunning terraced rice fields and the diverse ethnic communities that live there, including the Hmong people. The Mường Hoa Valley extends from Sapa and includes several other villages like Ta Van, Giang Ta Chai, and Y Linh Ho.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
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On leaving Sapa we took a transfer to Lào Cai along the Sapa to Lào Cai Road. Several places along the road had been impacted by landslips and mudslides following a week of heavy rain before we had arrived in the province.
,
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Naurvoo is a substantially modified (Easy 11.6) (38 feet) Catamaran. The design, by Queenslander Peter Snell, was known as an "Easy Catamaran" though it proved anything but that, taking boatbuilder Phil Wright over 12 years of actually building time to complete but actually, over 31 years before it was finally launched on the 19th May 2025.
Phil Wright is the great grandsons of John Wright, founder of Tuncurry, NSW and of Wright Shipyards, a business that began in 1875 with several generations of the family managing the business until its closure in 1958.
Despite this family boat-building connection Phil Wright had no previous experience with building boats.
For some, as yet unexplained reason, in the early 1990’s Phil decided he was going to build a catamaran and go off sailing the oceans of the world. While this is a dream he never came to realise he did in fact ultimately achieve at least the construction of an impressive boat.
The story began in 1994 when he optimistically sought out plans for a suitable catamaran that he could by a process of trial and error teach himself how to build. After selecting Peter Snell's 11.6m Easy Catamaran he began construction of the rudders, frames and keels in his double car garage at Green Point, near Forster, NSW but this space soon proved much too restrictive to allow the project to proceed.
The decision to sell and buy a property with a house and large shed to house the boat was finally taken and in the early 2000's he sold his home in Green Point and moved to Timbertops, an acreage subdivision just north of Darawank, about 10kms north of Tuncurry.
By June of 2010 the boat, which can sleep up to 7 people, was well advanced, though some 16 years after its construction had begun. Construction was at times slow, always dependent on available funds, family circumstances and on the motivation to struggle through difficult construction challenges, often necessitating researching new technologies and materials all the while having to learn new skills.
Phil was also fortunate that he had several friends who were willing to assist him whenever he needed help. While there were many others, two bear particular mention, Laurie Kilham and Robert Smith.
Some jobs such as completing the electrical wiring required specialised skills and, in such cases, experts were hired.
Most of the work however was carried out on a trial-and-error basis and sometimes this resulted in errors resulting in the need to rebuild some sections of the boat due to incorrect calculations, building construction methods or faulty selection of building materials or components.
As his knowledge of construction methods, materials and skill level grew progress was made, though lack of motivation and money sometimes meant that the boat sat idle, sometimes for several years before work would continue.
However, by February of 2014, some 20 years after construction had begun, the boat was finally ready to be raised to allow rollers to be placed under its keels in readiness to allow it to be winched outside the shed onto two concrete pads.
The operation to remove it outside the shed took place on Friday 15th March 2014.
On the 20th of February 2016, 22 years after construction began, the boat was moved by crane and lowloader about 250m to two newly laid concrete pads at the front of his Timbertops property.
The plan was then to fit it out with rigging, mast and sails and launch it into the Wallamba River as soon as funding became available.
This was going to be a costly exercise at the time involving potentially over $30,000 to complete. With Phil's retirement from paid work at around that time the necessary motivations and finances to complete the sail rigging and move the boat to the water became more and more challenging. This resulted in the boat, though for all intents and purposes finished, remaining on its blocks for another 9 years with almost no further work done on it during that period.
Finally, in April of 2025, now 31 years after construction had begun, an offer was made to buy the boat as it was, structurally finished, but for the sail rigging.
After some consideration Phil accepted the offer and finally made the decision to sell the boat to an enthusiastic buyer intent on finally getting it completed and in the water as soon as was possible.
The new owners were soon on-site cleaning up the boat and after a bit of hard yakka the boat scrubbed up looking a million dollars.
On the 19th May 2025 the boat was finally lifted by crane onto a lowloader and moved to the Wallamba River, north of Tuncurry where in untimely torrential rain the 5 tonne boat was lowered by crane into a rapidly rising Wallamba River.
(On May 21st 2025 Taree, on the Manning River just 30 kms north, suffered its most devastaing flood in recorded memory with the river rising to 6.44 m.)
It was a joy to behold for those who had watched this boats construction over such long a period to see it finally hit the water.
Phil had always had concerns that the boat would be too heavy however once floating of its own accord it became clear it was sitting perfectly in the water, a great source of relief for all involved.
With the rain tumbling down it wasn't long before the new owners were able to get the twin outboards on the boat fired up and immediately move it downstream to Tuncurry then across Wallis Lake to Coomba Bay, on the southern end of Wallis Lake.
Flickr Album - Moving - Launching Naurvoo
The whole operation was carried out just a day before the Wallamba River broke its banks and flooded.
With the boat now at Coomba Bay the owners, Lee and Debbie Roper plan to crane the boat out of the water onto dry land where the vessel will be fully rigged and some structural changes made.
Once the necessary work is completed the boat will be renamed "Affinity 3 of Naurvoo" and then sailed down the coast to Brisbane Water on the lower Central Coast where it will be permanently based in Hardys Bay.