Here's Another Island Beauty

Pride of Fiji's yachting scene just now is the elegant 90 ft all-steel ketch Tau, which local architect-designer Colin Philp has just completed after 2* V ears labour. Built by Colin Philp to his own design, it is believed to be the largest privately-owned twin-keel yacht in the world. Weighing 50 tons, Tau is decked and finished with Burma teak. With a beam of 7 ft 4 in., and" 6 ft 4 in. draft, she is powered by a 200 hp Gardner marine engine.

After being built in a special shed near the marina of the Tradewinds Hotel, which Mr Philp built and formerly owned, Tau was launched in August by the Prime Minister's wife, Adi Lady Lala Mara. Mr Philp—who works mighty hard for a "retired" man—now has plans to sail Tau to Sydney via the New Hebrides and Noumea, with his workmen as crew. Her interior includes six two-berth cabins and a single cabin, three shower/toilets, main saloon, deck saloon and magnificently equipped galley.

One of the most beautiful yachts in Fiji waters is the locally-designed and locally-built all-steel ketch Tau, launched in August. She's pictured near the Tradewinds Hotel, Suva.

Photo: Chris Moorhouse.