Time to go sailing aboard Takitimu

PLYING THE SEAS: MV Takitimu motoring on the ocean waves of Tūranganui-a-Kiwa/Poverty Bay, as she has for a century, first as a working ship, today as a pleasure boat. File picture

GISBORNE's 100-year-old MV Takitimu will be out on the water on Sunday.

The former pilot boat will be sailing each Sunday, weather permitting, right through to about Easter providing joy for Tairāwhiti residents and visitors alike.

Gisborne MV Takitimu Charitable Trust trustee Dave Empsall said the vessel went through its four-yearly major maintenance programme over winter in 2021, and had been kept in good mechanical condition during the winter just ended.

“The guys are all looking forward to sailing on Takitimu,” he said.

The vessel will leave port at 2pm each Sunday.

“It's first come, first served.”

Groups can book the entire vessel for excursions and private functions.

“We've been doing that for some time.”

The cost is $20 per adult and $10 for children aged under 13.

The fee can be paid at the gate to pier 1 in front of Gisborne-Tatapouri Sports and Fishing Club.