Many in the marine industry were saddened to hear of boatbuilder Chris Robertson’s passing on December 9, 2024. A long-time, highly respected boatbuilder and designer, Robertson’s connections to the Auckland yachting community can be traced back to his mother, Betsey, the sister of boatbuilders Roy, Fred, and Mike Lidgard.
Robertson began his boatbuilding apprenticeship with his uncle Roy Lidgard in 1942, spending most of it with Associated Boatbuilders building and maintaining boats for the war effort.
A skilled sailor, yacht designer and boatbuilder, Robertson, in his designed and built X-Class Amethyst, won the 1950 Sanders Cup.
After the war, Robertson worked for Col Wild. His first job was building the first K-class keeler, Helen, for her designer, Bob Stewart. He subsequently built two more K-class keelers, Kitenui and Doletta.
After building houses for a period, Robertson spent two years with Jim Young, followed by stints with John Burns and Fosters. He returned to boatbuilding by teaming up with his good friend, the late Brin Wilson.
Robertson’s first keelboat design and build contract was the 10.3m cruising keeler Tamaris for Don Wintle. Robertson went on to design and build a series of beautiful timber yachts, including Susan Jane, Spectrum, Velsheda, Tara III, Optimum, Panache, Tangent, Plane Jane, Baroness, Quando, Pastiche and Concept. He also built two Bruce Farr designs, the one-tonner Jenny H for Ray Hasler and the 12.2m Monique for Jim Dowell. Additionally, Robertson designed and built several launches, including Natalie B, Karamoana, Maseka and Waimiga.
In 1983, the Robertson family purchased 10ha of riverfront land on the Mahurangi River just outside Warkworth. Robertson retired two years later, leaving his sons Conrad and Martin to continue the business. They have since separated and run independent operations.
Robertson, married to the late Katherine, is survived by his children Martin, Helen and Conrad; their respective partners Julie, Michael and Sarah; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
We are the proud owners of Concept, and have just sailed more than 1000nm from Christchurch to Able Tasman. In terms of design I can’t fault Concepts lines and her speed through the water is a credit to the design. Rest well Chris. We are very thankful to be the current owners of one of your yachts.