John Macfarlane

In a sailing career that’s been short on financial assistance and long in determination and mental fortitude, Jo Aleh has clocked up an impressive sailing CV. Among other achievements, she has won Olympic gold and silver medals, a World Championship, and is the first woman to win the Tanner Cup. This is her story.

Some boats are just born lucky. Kokoru is one of those boats. Designed and built in 1960 by legendary Picton boatbuilder Jack Morgan, she spent most of her life in and around the Wellington/Picton area. In a region renowned for strong winds, big seas, and swift currents, Kokoru led a charmed life even on chaotic days, such as helping rescue two of Wahine’s lifeboats in 1968.

Role model From the ashes of a cut-off boatbuilding career, Robert Brooke reinvented himself as an educator and, over a 40-year career, has positively influenced thousands of young New Zealanders into becoming better people. And he still found time to build many boats. This is his story.

Race management is one of those critical jobs that has to be done just right and where accuracy is everything. With more than 43 years of experience, John Parrish – ably assisted by wife Linda – is among this country’s top Race Officers. This is their story.

It’s glorious powerboat weather and ideal for an impromptu speed test of the Upfold 40 launch, Excel. The launch’s owner/driver has a grin from ear to ear; he’s been told to go hard – make it look good. With his new engine now run in, this is his first real opportunity to give it some welly.