Real Journeys Company Engineer Retires

Media release
9 December 2009

Forever Young – Real Journeys Company Engineer Retires

Retiring Real Journeys Company Engineer Jim Young is leaving an impressive array of achievements in his wake.

With some of the region’s most recognised vessels built under his watchful eye, Mr Young is stepping down after 25 years with the company he has helped shape with his innovative and creative designs, dedication and sheer hard work.

Mr Young has overseen the construction of 14 new vessels from drawing board to maiden voyage such as the Milford Wanderer, Fiordland Navigator and the latest addition - MV Sinbad launched in September. 

Meanwhile his list of major refits and rebuilds is no less impressive.

In one case, the Milford Haven was cut in half and increased in size by adding a 12 metre section to the middle.

“We did it in 4 months and 17 days – everyone just got in and gave it hell,” he remembers fondly.

Another example of his work can be seen on the historic steamship TSS Earnslaw which underwent a major refit to establish the bar and servery, rebuild the main deck and modifying the lower cabin to create a catering area.

The daytime and overnight cruise vessels engineered by Jim now form the back bone of the Real Journeys operation. They have all been constructed to operate in the challenging southern coastal environment and range from standard vessels such as the Milford Sovereign (2003) and Milford Monarch (1994) to the more unique.

For example the Milford Wanderer, although designed with all modern conveniences looks as though it has plied the Fiordland coastline for decades after being built in the style of a traditional trading scow.

But Mr Young’s vision also extends to ultra modern state of the art vessels such as the Luminosa built in 2006 to carry passengers to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and the Patea Explorer (2005) designed to cater for the growing market of free independent travellers with a desire to cruise Doubtful Sound.

When planning a new vessel Mr Young said several major factors come in to play including its ability to handle Fiordland and Stewart Island’s extreme weather conditions and the cruise experience offered to passengers. The vessels must also be easy to maintain.

Environmental awareness is another major consideration.

“Especially over the past 15 years we have really concentrated on developing boats that didn’t create too much wake and wash. Investments have been made in new technology to boost fuel efficiency and to minimise emissions including noise.” 

With so many successful projects under his belt it is not easy to pick favourites but the Milford Wanderer is one he mentions.

“She is a real old dandy and she works well. Passengers on the multi day Discovery Cruises always sing her praises highly.”

Born in Invercargill the son and grandson of engineers and educated at Southland Boys High School, Mr Young first trained as an engineer with George Wilson Engineering in Invercargill. He began work with Real Journeys (formerly Fiordland Travel) in 1984 and moved to Manapouri.

Since then he has been involved in a huge range of projects from new vessels and coaches to wharf building and purchasing aircraft to operate between Queenstown and Milford.

On dry land the list of achievements is also extensive. New staff accommodation at Milford Sound and Walter Peak, the large new workshop and stores building at Te Anau, Bluff boat sheds and a revamped Stewart Island Experience Terminal have all been part of his brief.

From 1987 to 1992 he was also Company Operations Manager.

The innovative and unique Real Journeys glass roof, bullet style coaches are a further example of Mr Young’s ability to think outside of the design square.

“We played with the design for 12 to 18 months. The glass roof, wedge shape, tiered construction and angled seating means all passengers have the best view possible.

 “It is like a movie theatre for the passengers,” said Mr Young.

Although convinced of the merits of the design himself, he wasn’t sure if drawings alone would sell the idea to the company directors. A model was made and the idea took off.

When the Volvo representatives arrived from Sweden and asked if he had any other ideas he told them he had a plan where the passengers could sit facing backwards so that they could enjoy the views for longer. They were seriously impressed – he was of course joking!

Now living in Rangiora and recently retired, Mr Young said he is already missing the challenge of a new project to get his hands on although he jokes that his immediate family has hinted they have plenty of projects lined up for him!

Back in Te Anau for a Real Journeys farewell leaving dinner on Sunday night, Mr Young said he may perhaps now have a little more time to take a cruise or two on one of the many vessels he was instrumental in helping launch.

And the secret of his prolific portfolio?

“You have got to believe in yourself, you have got to be prepared to go the extra mile and most importantly - you are only as good as the people you have got working with you,” he said.

Ends

For more information contact
Gabby Lake
Real Journeys
Marketing Communications Co-ordinator
03 442 4830

Or Jim Young
0274 330 357