A historic scow near Pounawea will soon set sail for Auckland.
The 103-year-old Portland is moored at the entrance to Pounawea on the Owaka River.
Speaking from Auckland yesterday, the new owner of Portland - who wished to remain anonymous - said he had taken possession of the scow ''a couple of weeks ago'' and was working to make it seaworthy.
He planned to sail it to Auckland within the next six months.
''She's in good nick underneath ... and we've had the motors running.''
Over the next six to eight weeks repairs would be made and a shipwright would inspect it to ensure it was safe to sail.
Former owner Ray Mathieson bought the vessel in 1979, using it when he wanted a break from his home at Katea, near Owaka.
He did not wish to comment on the sale, other than to say he did not use it as much as he once did.
Portland was built by George T. Niccol, of Auckland, and launched in 1910.
Built of kauri, she was originally owned by Wilsons New Zealand Portland Cement Co, trading in the Auckland area.
