Breeze (ship)

{{Infobox ship |section1={{Infobox ship/image |image = New Zealand Maritime Museum - Breeze Brigantine.jpg |image_caption = ''Breeze'' berthed at the New Zealand Maritime Museum }}

|section2={{Infobox ship/career |hide_header = |country = New Zealand |flag = |name = ''Breeze'' |namesake = |owner = *1981–1989: Ralph Sewell<br/> *1989–present: New Zealand Maritime Museum |operator = |registry = Auckland, New Zealand |ordered = |awarded = |builder = Ralph Sewell |original_cost = |yard_number = |way_number = |laid_down = |launched = |sponsor = |christened = |completed = |acquired = |commissioned = |out_of_service = |recommissioned = |decommissioned = |maiden_voyage = |in_service = |renamed = |reclassified = |refit = |struck = |reinstated = |homeport = |identification = |motto = |nickname = |honours = |honors = |captured = |fate = |notes = |badge = |status = }}

|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics |hide_header = |header_caption = |type = Brigantine |tonnage = |displacement = 25.4 tonnes |length = {{convert|60|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} |beam = {{convert|16.6|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} |height = |draught = {{convert|6|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} |depth = |hold_depth = |decks = |deck_clearance = |ramps = |ice_class = |power = |propulsion = |sail_plan = |speed = |range = |endurance = |boats = |crew = |time_to_activate = |notes = |draft = }} }}

'''''Breeze''''' is a replica 19th-century brigantine built by Ralph Sewell and his family in Coromandel. It is one of four seaworthy ships berthed at the New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa. It launched in 1981.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BREEZE |website=New Zealand Maritime Museum |url=https://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz/sailings/breeze |access-date=3 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == History ==

=== Construction === ''Breeze'' was built by Ralph Sewell in Tiki Landing in the Coromandel.<ref name=":0" /> While originally training as a boat builder, Sewell had worked on pipe organ construction projects for years. Constructing ''Breeze'' was his first foray back into boat building, after constructing organs such as the St Marks's Church organ at Te Aroha, and the Wellington Town Hall organ.<ref name="Bridgeman-Sutton">{{cite journal |title=New Zealand Town Hall Organs |last1=Bridgeman-Sutton |first1=David |last2=Setchell |first2=Jenny |journal=Organists' Review |date=November 2009 |volume=95 |issue=4 |page=8}}</ref> He built it in the tradition of 19th-century coastal traders. Rodney Wilson described the project to be "[...] driven by a desire to produce something public, to contribute to the community's knowledge and feeling for its maritime past."<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Wilson |first=T. L. Rodney |date=1989 |title=Auckland's Brigantine Breeze |journal=Bearings |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=8-12 |via=Bill Laxon Maritime Library}}</ref> This was echoed by Sewell himself in a article he wrote for ''Sea Spray'' magazine in August 1981, describing ''Breeze'' as an 'adventure ship' for with the purpose of teaching sailing techniques and building communities of those with like-minded interests in sailing and the sea.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Sewell |first=Ralph |date=August 1981 |title=The Building of Breeze |journal=Sea Spray |volume=36 |issue=8 |pages=26-27 |via=Bill Laxon Maritime Library}}</ref> thumb|363x363px|Plaque on ''Breeze'' in the memory of Alison Sewell Sewell wrote extensively about the construction of ''Breeze''. Committed to sticking to traditional methods of construction, Sewell chose not to use any machinery to build the boat. Further, Tiki Landing was also windmill powered. He writes "We are building ''Breeze'' out of best Coromandel kauri in traditional manner, using adze, drawknife, slick, wooden German jack plane and caulking iron."<ref name=":1" /> ''Breeze'' is constructed with kauri, totara and pōhutukawa.<ref name=":0" /> It has 11 sails, and the bow below the waterline, allowing ''Breeze'' to travel more efficiently but still remain buoyant enough to support the weight of the sails.<ref name=":1" /> There was no machinery on the boat either, bar a vintage six-cylinder Lister auxiliary engine.<ref name=":1" /> Prior to building ''Breeze'', Sewell built ketch ''Ripple'' in a similar fashion.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=The history of brigantine Breeze: part one |website=New Zealand Maritime Museum |url=https://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz/bob-hawkins-history-of-breeze-part-one |access-date=10 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref> The lack of machinery on the boat "put the emphasis on good seamanship, physical effort and self-sufficiency," Sewell wrote.<ref name=":1" />

=== Early life === Sewell had trouble selling ''Breeze'' because it had not completed a marine survey test, and was unable to carry passengers. The marine survey was about the cost of the boat.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 July 1982 |title=Reporter's diary Rightdress |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19820712.2.24 |work=Press |page=2 |via=Papers Past}}</ref> Bob Hawkins wrote that ''Breeze'' had "[...] not been completed to marine survey standards which limited her operation as a training vessel."<ref name=":9" /> Sewell formed a sailing club of enthusiasts and volunteers to sail ''Breeze,'' called '<nowiki />''Breeze'' Sailing Club.'<ref name=":9" /> In this club was Captain Jim Cottier, Peter Sewell (one of Sewell's sons), and Bob Hawkins. === Anti-nuclear protests === thumb|T-shirt from Moruroa protests, worn on ''Breeze'' (from NZMM online collections) After the bombing of the ''Rainbow Warrior'' by French agents in 1985, Sewell let Captain Jim Cottier sail the ''Breeze'' to Moruroa as part of the peace flotilla to protest French nuclear testing in place of ''Rainbow Warrior''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 September 1985 |title=French jail demand 'pompous, farcical' |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19850909.2.10 |work=Press |page=1|via=Papers Past}}</ref><ref name=":9" /> Jim Cottier had been with the ''Breeze'' since Sewell's construction of the boat and part of the committee and was familiar in sailing it,<ref name=":0" /> and had previously sailed to Moruroa in July 1972 on ''Tamure''.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last=Eyley |first=Claudia Pond |title=Protest at Moruroa: first-hand accounts from the New Zealand-based flotilla |date=1997 |publisher=Tandem Press |isbn=978-1-877178-03-0 |location=North Shore City}}</ref> He had also sailed there in the ''Spirit of Peace'' in 1973.<ref name=":4" />

The crew included Rob Morton (first mate), Mike Stickland, Jody Lusk, Alice Heather, Tony Atkinson (the ship's doctor), Richard Rae, Turi Blake, Robyn McWilliams and Brian Latham (cameraman).<ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last=Morton |first=Bob |title=The Voyage of the Breeze to Moruroa, Tahiti, and Rarotonga 1985: The Log of 1st Mate Rob Morton |date=1985 |others=Records held by the New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa 2005.171 |language=English}}</ref> They left Admiralty Steps, Auckland following ''Vega'' and ''Alliance''<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |date=23 October 1985 |title=Papeete docking sought |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19851023.2.30 |work=Press |page=3|via=Papers Past}}</ref> on 7 September 1985 carrying "several hundred letters of protest to be delivered to Tahiti."<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Leadbeater |first=Maire |title=Peace, power & politics: how New Zealand became nuclear free |date=2013 |publisher=Otago University Press |isbn=978-1-877578-58-8 |location=Dunedin, New Zealand}}</ref> Also sailing with ''Breeze'' was ''Varangian'' and ''Greenpeace''.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":5" /> The flotilla engaged with the French navy and both ''Greenpeace'' and ''Breeze'' were barred from sailing into Tahiti's ports and docking at Pape'ete. ''Breeze'' was still able to deliver the letters to Oscar Temaru at sea.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /> They returned to New Zealand on 17 November 1985.<ref name=":0" />

''Breeze'' also carried food, water and other provisions.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=6 August 1985 |title=Breeze to sail to Mururoa |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19850806.2.133 |access-date=3 December 2025 |website=The Press |place=Auckland |page=23 |via=Papers Past}}</ref> During their trip, they frequently exchanged and received supplies from other boats in the peace flotilla (''Greenpeace''), as well as Tahitians who rowed out to meet them.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":2" />

Jody Lusk, one of the crew who sailed to Moruroa, also took part in the Moruroa Peace Flotilla in 1995, sailing on the ''MV Greenpeace'' as a chef. She has also worked on ''Rainbow Warrior II.''<ref name=":3" />

After it returned from French Polynesia, ''Breeze'' resided in the Kerikeri inlet until Sewell and the Maritime Museum brokered a sale. Roger Morris captained ''Breeze'' to Auckland on 3 September 1989.

=== New Zealand Maritime Museum === ''Breeze'' was acquired by the New Zealand Maritime Museum in 1989,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Walsh |first=Frances |title=Endless sea: stories told through the taonga of the New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui te Ananui a Tangaroa |last2=Ussher |first2=Jane |date=2020 |publisher=Massey University Press |isbn=978-0-9951318-7-3 |location=Auckland, New Zealand}}</ref> and is either docked at the museum wharf, or used by the maritime museum for voyages around the Waitematā Harbour.<ref name="Bridgeman-Sutton"/> There were major works and repairs completed before taking resident in Hobson Wharf as part of the Museum. Its acquisition and participation in events in the Auckland harbour representing the New Zealand Maritime Museum was documented in many articles in ''Bearings'', a magazine published by the Auckland Maritime Museum. ''Breeze'' participated in events such as the Russell Tall Ships Regatta, opening ceremonies at Auckland Anniversary Day and the Auckland Anniversary Regatta.

''Breeze'' came first and took handicap honours at the 1990 Tall Ships Race, captained by Jim Cottier. In the same year, ''Breeze'' also participated in Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, captained by Robert Hawkins.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Wilson |first=T. L. Rodney |date=Autumn 1990 |title=Museum News |journal=Bearings Auckland Maritime Museum |volume=2 |issue=1 |page=5 |via=Bill Laxon Maritime Library}}</ref> In the same year, ''Breeze''<nowiki/>'s Duradon sails were replaced by Peter Sewell and Shore Sails with cotton-polyester sails.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=The history of brigantine Breeze: part two |website=New Zealand Maritime Museum |url=https://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz/bob-hawkins-history-of-breeze-part-three |access-date=4 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

''Breeze'' won the 1991 Tall Ships Race in Russell,<ref name=":7">{{Cite journal |last=Morton |first=Rob |date=Autumn 1991 |title=How the Breeze Won the Tall Ships Race in 1991 |journal=Bearings Auckland Maritime Museum |volume=3 |issue=2 |pages=34–35 |via=Bill Laxon Maritime Library}}</ref> and competed in the friendly competition, the Hobson Wharf Heritage Vessel Race on 24 February 1991, where it did not take home any prizes. It competed against ''Ripple''. The boats raced from Orakei Wharf to Princes Wharf.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=McCurdy |first=Peter |date=Winter 1991 |title=The Heritage Vessel Race |journal=Bearings Auckland Maritime Museum |volume=3 |issue=2 |pages=33-36 |via=Bill Laxon Maritime Library}}</ref>

''Breeze'' was unable to participate in the 1992 Russell Tall Ships Race, Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, or Mahurangi Regatta as it was participating in a recreation of the arrival of Abel Tasman in February.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Wilson |first=Rodney |date=Summer 1991 |title=Friends of Breeze |journal=Bearings Auckland Maritime Museum |volume=3 |issue=4 |page=45 |via=Bill Laxon Maritime Museum}}</ref> Money was raised to install a new engine.<ref name=":8" /> ''Breeze'' participated in the handing over ceremony of Hobson Wharf in March 1992. The ''Breeze'' did not attend the 2019 Russell Tall Ships Race.<ref>{{Cite news |last=de Graaf |first=Peter |date=9 January 2019 |title=Tall ships, classics to race in Russell |work=Northern Advocate |page=A.10 |id={{ProQuest|2164545653}}}} </ref>

In 1992, ''Breeze'' sailed down to Nelson to take part in sesquicentennial celebrations. She sailed around North Cape and Cape Reinga before heading down towards the West Coast and Marlborough Sounds to Nelson. Both Rob Morton and Roger Morris were onboard.<ref name=":8" /> They left from the Viaduct Basin in January and arrived in Nelson at the end of the month. Morton described the trip for ''Bearings'', writing "We cruised from one bay to the next, up to the shop at Totara North and back. We caught kahawai and climbed up hills, splashed around under waterfalls and generally took it easy."<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Morton |first=Rob |date=1992 |title=Breeze Bound for Nelson |journal=Bearings Auckland Maritime Museum |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=58–59 |via=Bill Laxon Maritime Museum}}</ref> At the time of Morton's article, there were plans in place to replace ''Breeze''<nowiki/>'s engine.

On 18 December 2000, ''Breeze'' was finally granted a MNZ certificate which allowed it to carry passengers on paid trips.<ref name=":8" /> Under this certificate, passengers can not be carried outside of Auckland harbour limits, so longer trips were opportunities for volunteers to gain experience.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Hawkins |first=Bob |date=19 April 2022 |title=The history of brigantine Breeze: Part Three |url=https://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz/bob-hawkins-history-of-breeze-part-three |website=New Zealand Maritime Museum}}</ref> ''Breeze'' undergoes annual maintenance at the Vos/Sanford slipway in Westhaven.<ref name=":10" /> Until 2016, ''Breeze'' made regular trips to the Bay of Islands.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bob |first=Hawkins |date=19 April 2022 |title=The history of brigantine Breeze: Part Four |url=https://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz/bob-hawkins-history-of-breeze-part-four |website=New Zealand Maritime Museum}}</ref><ref>Sailing as it was: tough and wet 780 words 15 March 2014 The New Zealand Herald</ref><gallery> File:Brigantine Breeze.jpg|Bow of ''Breeze'' File:Brigantine Breeze berthed at NZMM.jpg|''Breeze'' with rigging File:Brigantine Breeze ship's wheel.jpg|Ship's wheel on ''Breeze'' File:Square sails of Brigantine Breeze.jpg|''Breeze's'' square sails File:Deck of brigantine Breeze.jpg|Deck of ''Breeze'' </gallery>

== Media appearances == ''The Breeze'' was involved in a 1997 book launch incident when offense was taken to Michael Morrissey (writer)'s 'Terra Incognita' novel.<ref> SPANISH RECLAIM AOTEAROA. By RICHARD GORDON. 438 words 4 July 1997 National Business Review</ref><ref>Lay Graeme (2018) Is the book launch dead? New Zealand Books Vol 28 No. 4 Issue 124</ref>

''Breeze'' was used as a stand-in on television series ''Poenamo''.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=1990 |title=Museum News |journal=Bearings |volume=2 |issue=2 |page=48 |via=Bill Laxon Maritime Library}}</ref> ''Breeze,'' captained by Ron Blackman, makes an appearance in the TVNZ reality series ''Colonial House.'' It was filmed in 2002 in Lyttelton, and returned to Auckland after. The show was released in 2003.<ref name=":10" /> The show involved a family sailing to Lyttelton and carrying period possessions across the Bridle Path to Ferrymead in Christchurch, and then setting up a home and living in period role.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McCarroll |first=Jo |date=13 October 2002 |title=Time for a change |work=Sunday Star-Times |page=F.7 |id={{ProQuest|314004254}}}} </ref><ref> {{Cite news |last=King |first=David |date=24 August 2002 |title=Ferrymead location for colonial family TV series |work=The Press |page=A.5 |id={{ProQuest|314529306}}}}</ref><ref> {{Cite news |last=Lowe |first=Matthew |date=11 August 2002 |title=Family wanted for time travel |work=Sunday Star-Times |page=A.4 |id={{ProQuest|314011475}}}}</ref>

== References == {{reflist}}

== Notes ==

* The Tall Ships Race is also referred to as the Tall Ships Regatta.

==External links== * [https://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz/sailings/breeze ''Breeze'' sailings on the Waitemata Harbour.] * [https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/moruroa-protest/ Moruroa Pacific Peace Flotilla protests]

Category:1981 ships Category:1981 in New Zealand Category:Brigantines Category:New Zealand Maritime Museum

Breeze (ship)

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