QUEENSLAND CLASSIC REBORN AT REDLAND CITY MARINA
By Bethany Holland
Few vessels can claim a history as rich and enduring as Cynina. Built at Norman Creek in Brisbane during the late 1940s and launched in 1950, she represents a proud chapter of Queensland’s maritime heritage. Constructed by Vic “Doc” Ammerman and Col “Windy” Barrie for Charlie Sinden, Cynina was originally powered by a three-cylinder, 30-horsepower Lister diesel and was designed to be both practical and timeless.
Over the decades, the vessel has seen careful stewardship and significant upgrades. In November 1981, Fred Flemming undertook a major refit that included the construction of a new coach house, helping ensure Cynina remained a functional and much-loved cruising vessel for future generations.
When Michael Guy purchased Cynina in 2019, she was still a capable boat with enormous character. After enjoying her for around 18 months, it became clear that a comprehensive restoration was needed to preserve her for the decades to come. In 2021, she was taken out of the water and work commenced on what would become a three-year structural restoration.
Working alongside Andrew Hyde of Boats & Bikes, the project involved replacing the entire foredeck, removing all dry rot, completely rewiring and replumbing the vessel, installing new water tanks, repairing fuel tanks, replacing every window, undertaking major cockpit reconstruction, and essentially gutting the coach house. It was an extensive undertaking that touched almost every part of the vessel while remaining faithful to her original character.
After three years ashore, Cynina was relaunched in early 2024. While the hard work of structural restoration had been completed, the vessel still required the detailed craftsmanship needed to transform a restored hull into a finished classic cruiser. That next chapter began in early 2025 when Tom Robinson and his team at Underwood’s Marine became involved. Their contribution has been nothing short of remarkable.
Specialising in high-quality marine fitouts and restoration work, Underwood’s Marine approached the project with an understanding that every classic vessel deserves a balance between heritage and functionality. Over the course of the refit, Tom and his team constructed a new bunk seat, extended the opposing bunk, carried out an almost complete galley rebuild, completely reconstructed the helm, built a custom pilot seat, created a drinks cabinet and hanging locker, completed internal painting works, mounted and rigged a new mast, refurbished the head, modified and fitted a new table, and completed countless smaller fitting-out tasks that collectively define the quality of a finished vessel.
What stands out most is the attention to detail. Every component was carefully considered, ensuring that new work complemented the vessel’s classic lines, while improving comfort, practicality, and usability. The craftmanship displayed throughout the project reflects a deep understanding of traditional boats and the unique challenges they present.
In December 2025, Tom and his team continued their work by slipping Cynina at Redland City Marina for an extensive external repaint and antifouling program. Based at Redland City Marina, Underwood’s Marine has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality marine maintenance, restoration, and fitout services to both classic and modern vessels. Their location within one of Southeast Queensland’s premier boating hubs allows them to provide clients with comprehensive project management and access to a network of specialist marine trades. This year, they have completed the internal repaints, coordinated the installation of new carpeting throughout the interior, and have now brought the refit to the final stages.
Today, Cynina stands as an outstanding example of what can be achieved when skilled tradespeople, dedicated owners, and a shared commitment to preserving maritime heritage come together. More than seventy-five years after her construction began on the banks of Norman Creek, she remains a vessel with a story to tell.
For Underwood’s Marine, the project showcases the breadth of expertise and craftsmanship that Tom and his team bring to every job. Whether undertaking bespoke joinery, complete fitouts, restoration work, or project management, their contribution to Cynina demonstrates why they have become a trusted name in Queensland’s marine industry.
Classic vessels survive because people are willing to invest the time, skill, and passion required to preserve them. Thanks to the work of many talented trades, and particularly the dedication of Tom Robinson and the team at Underwood’s Marine, Cynina is once again ready to write the next chapter of her remarkable story.
To find out more about Redland City Marina
visit www.redlandcitymarina.com.au
Published in print August-December 2026
