John Eichelsheim

The newest entry in the field is the Shaw S3 Tender, a rigid 2.9m planing tender, the brainchild of Auckland-based yacht designer Rob Shaw.

As I write it is a matter of days before New Zealand goes to the polls.

After yet another magazine cycle of weather-deferred boat reviews following months of similar challenges thanks to a depressingly wet and windy winter, weather predictions for the rest of the year are looking up – for boaters, at least.

It is with mixed feelings that I contemplate recently announced plans to introduce 19 new marine protection areas inside the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

Haines Hunter boats are hand-built at the company’s Ellerslie, Auckland plant.