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Full steam ahead for tugboat’s return to Victoria Wharf

Flagstaff Team

The William C Daldy on Auckland Harbour

The historic tugboat William C Daldy is set to return to Devonport in time for the America’s Cup in 2021.

The Daldy was berthed at Victoria Wharf from 1997 to 2012, but is currently at Princes Wharf in the city, where its lease will expire in December.

The William Daldy Preservation Society has been working with Panuku, Auckland Council’s property arm, on a lease at Victoria Wharf.

“A move to Devonport would provide a better platform from which the society could base its operation from and align with the strong heritage values in Devonport,” said a report from the society to a Devonport-Takapuna Local Board workshop.

The return of the Daldy to Victoria Wharf was “an opportunity to strengthen Devonport’s heritage and maritime character as well as provide a possible tourism drawcard to complement many of the business and organisations based in Devonport”.

Devonport children would be able to visit the vessel to learn about steam boilers and an operating sea tug.

Pressure is building on downtown waterfront availability due to the upcoming Cup events.

The Daldy is one of the last coal-fired steam tugs in the world still operating. It plied Auckland Harbour from 1935 to 1977.

A full report will be prepared for the local board for its meeting later in August.

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