The award was presented at this year’s Antique & Classic Boat Show, the 25th edition of this popular event held every year at Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park.
Belonging to Duncan Eliot of Havelock North, this example really caught the eye of the judge, Boating NZ’s Tim Porter, who loved the vessel’s original condition and vibrant colours.
Tim pointed out that doing up a retro boat gives people an affordable way to get out on the water: “Fibreglass never dies, the retro colours are popular and people just like being reminded of the 60s and 70s.”
The photos on this page, courtesy of American photographer Steven Lapkin, show why Tugboat was such a deserving winner.
