We’re proud to announce we have partnered with the Black Ball Yacht Club (BBYC) in Whangārei to provide more funding and opportunities for local youth. David Irvin, a founding member, explains that the club was started to provide a way for visiting yachties to give...

Special Interest articles
R. Tucker Thompson appoints Jo Lynch as CEO
The R. Tucker Thompson Sailing Trust has appointed Jo Lynch as Chief Executive. Jo brings extensive senior leadership experience in adventure tourism, marketing and management, and has a strategic focus for the not-for-profit trust. As a young girl, Jo watched the...
Smart Trade Solutions Partnership
Thanks to the introduction by Competenz we have partnered with Rick and Tracey Lunn from Smart Trade Solutions to provide career options for our trainees. Trade Smart Solutions connects people to the trades; they specialise in offering support and mentoring for...
Thank you Burnsco
Thank you Burnsco! The wonderful people at Burnsco Opua have donated and discounted brand new lifejackets for our trainees to use on the ship. Nick, the Burnsco Manager has a great relationship with us, we’re only a short 5-minute walk from Burnsco and you’ll often...
Go us, we received a Qualmark GOLD Award
The R. Tucker Thompson has retained a Qualmark GOLD Sustainable Tourism Business Award. A Gold Award recognises the best sustainable businesses in New Zealand, with the delivery of exceptional customer experiences. To receive such award, Qualmark investigates 4 key...
Fair Winds – Jane Hindle retires from the Trust after 25 years
From dream wedding to shaping the future of the Bay of Island’s tall ship If you’ve ever spent any time in the Bay of Islands, you will undoubtedly know the tall ship, the R. Tucker Thompson. Twenty-five years ago, it was no different for Jane Hindle and her then...
Happy 36th Birthday to The Good Ship!
Happy Birthday to The Good Ship! Today marks 36 years since she first went in the water on 12 October, 1985. The ship was launched off the beach at Mangawhai with full Māori and Pākehā tradition. On that day she was gifted a kaitiaki or guardian called Karewa. The...
Host Your Christmas Function on the Tucker!
An evening sail on board the tall ship R. Tucker Thompson is the perfect way to finish this year with your work team. Set the sails, climb the rigging or relax and drink a cold beer or wine. We serve delicious antipasto platter. You can bring your own drinks, or we can provide them.
Operation haul out. Ship’s on the swing!
Kia ora friends and members of the good ship R Tucker Thompson! The last voyage of the season brought us from Opua to Whangarei, and what a voyage it was! So many amazing and life changing experiences. Monday 2nd of August we have arrived at port Nikau in Whangarei....
Whare opening
On Sunday 23 September, the R. Tucker Thompson held the formal opening of their new whare. The weather was fine, and around 100 people gathered at the end of the wharf to join the Tucker whanau for their special day. It was a day that was over 30 years in the making,...