Good morning Louise,

I am putting together the history of a passenger boat/tug in New Zealand which was launched as the Rakanui in 1926. It was bought by your grandfather in 1937 and he renamed the vessel Mona's Isle 11. I had never come across this vessel until was mentioned in an article in the Sea Breezes magazine last year and my interest was aroused, namely because I am a tug master and marine pilot, and a Manxman. I thought that for somebody to name a vessel Mona's Isle in New Zealand, they must have had Manx connections. I found that Captain Bell was born in Douglas in 1884 but so far have been unable to find out when and how he arrived in New Zealand, and how he went to sea for a living as his father appeared to be a cabinet maker. Interestingly the Mona's Isle 11 is still afloat in new Zealand, although it has now resumed its original name of Rakanui. Any in formation on Captain Bell would be much appreciated. As a hobby I write books and magazine articles on nautical subjects and I plan to write an article on this interesting vessel.

best regards

Stephen Carter