Prize Celebrates One Hundred Years

Story by Hugh Pollock

Prize: 100 yrs old in october 2023

Chad Thompson, current custodian of the celebrated classic yacht ‘Prize’ will, along with his crew and many well-wishers, celebrate the centennial of the original launching of Prize on 27th October 1923.  Prize is currently hauled at Devonport Yacht Club and the celebration is in the form of re-launching, all flags flying and lots of bunting, on 27th October 2023. 

Prize was built by Charles Bailey Junior at the request of Mr. W P Endean Senior, a Barrister and Solicitor.  Mr. Endean sold Prize in 1942 to Alf Thompson which began the long tenure of the Thompson family as custodians. After the war, Bressin Thompson began racing Prize and since then Prize has been highly successful competing in many of our most famous events, winning regularly.  Among her arch rivals is another Devonport yacht, Moana. 

Prize under construction in 1923

Prize has undergone a number of modifications to her rigging and been totally refitted in recent years.  Her custodians fully expect her to ‘grace the Waitemata Harbour’ for many years to come and they can be fully assured that they have the full support of her loyal crew and encouragement of Devonport Yacht Club members.