R. Tucker Thompson Sailing Ship

The R. Tucker Thompson is operated by a not-for-profit charitable trust. All income derived from our tourism sailing activities are used for her maintenance, as well as providing a contribution to help Northland youth access the sail training voyages. In this way, the ship can continue to provide pleasure and learning to people of all ages; young and old, Māori and Pākehā, visitors and Northlanders alike. The ship was originally owned in partnership by Tod Thompson, Greta Simmonds and Russell Harris until 1992, when Russell purchased Tod and Greta’s shares in the ship. On reaching retirement, Russell wanted to protect the future of this Northland icon and on 4 June 2006, transferred her into a Trust for the benefit of the people of Te Taitokerau Northland. Russell still remains involved on the Board of Trustees along with 7 others who contribute their time willingly so support the Trust.