The old wooden ferry MV Kestrel is understood to have been sold for $1000 and is returning to its previous home of Auckland after sitting idle on the Tauranga waterfront for nearly two years.
Unable to secure a long-term berth for the iconic 105-year-old vessel in the city's downtown, owner Mark
Scapens reluctantly put it up for sale - and it has been snapped up by the newly formed Kestrel Preservation Society in Auckland. "The lease had four years to run and the Kestrel didn't fit into the latest waterfront redevelopment plan," Mr Scapens said.
"I couldn't guarantee tenure to [new] tenants, and it had to move. What could I do? I brought it here wanting to do something different for the waterfront and I haven't been able to sustain it.
"It's a shame it has to leave Tauranga, but from a boating point of view, I'm happy that the vessel will once again sail on the harbour in which she was first launched."
The Kestrel, the former Fullers ferry which sailed between Devonport and downtown Auckland for more than 90 years, will now entertain passengers on Waitemata Harbour cruises.
The preservation society's steering committee has begun a fundraising campaign to cover the costs of getting the Kestrel back to Auckland - after the vessel left there in 2002.
First, the society will see if it is feasible to recommission the engine in Tauranga, and failing that the Kestrel will be towed to Auckland - hopefully within a month.
Lawyer Hugh Gladwell, the society's spokesperson, said the Kestrel would be fitted out and operated to maximise its use by the public.
"Many Aucklanders will remember sailing aboard the Kestrel and will be thrilled to have her home."
Mr Scapens, who advertised the vessel on Trade Me, said he sold it for a nominal figure but there was some work needed to make it seaworthy. It was understood the Kestrel was sold for $1000 and it would cost about $25,000 to tow it back to Auckland.
