It’s a fascinating concept… Three moments in time for Kiwi boat design spanning a 90 year period. From a vessel ordered to be both fishing boat and farm truck, to a time when the vision of two young sailors was to create a global legacy shaping a generation of cruiser-racing boats, craftspeople and competitive sailors.

This week, the program for the second ever Auckland Wooden Boat Festival (13 - 15 March) came out…and it looks pretty special. As with all good Festivals, planning your long weekend is key to getting the most out of it. And the beauty of the Auckland venue is that everything is only a few minutes walk away.

So he hightailed it to Sydney and ended up in the surf at Whale Beach – not that far from where he lives now. “I was a ten pound Pom” he told me. I find that hard to believe. I don’t think he was being literal. I see him arriving with a crate of Margaux and a vintage Morgan sports car with a set of plans for a beach house in the boot.

The relaunch of the 1894 Logan Gaff cutter on her 100th birthday, was a turning point in Australian perceptions, of what was possible, and more importantly worthwhile, when it came to the restoration of our sailing heritage.

“She was a good result for the effort that went into her. The fact that she has lasted 130 years is proof of that, particularly when you consider that this boat has not been pampered. For much of its life it has either been neglected, or actively abused.”