Testing a Steadecraft V156 when I was editor of Nautical News.
As 2021 is fast coming to an end, I thought I would reflect on my 50 years as a marine journalist and the great people I have met, both in business and sport. When I started as a staff writer for Boating World Magazine in 1971, John Mallitte told me I would be looking after all things powerboating. He was a well-respected sailor, so he was keen to have me on board to do boat reviews, race reports and feature articles on powerboats.
My first review for the magazine was a test on a Steadecraft V146 with boat manufacturer Keith Eade. It was the start of a long relationship with Keith, and over the years, I reviewed probably every model he produced. I even set up a small offshore race boat with him, based on a cutdown V146 and bolted a Chrysler 85 on the transom. As it was, the racing never eventuated as a mechanic out testing the boat on Orakei Basin flipped it and broke the boat so badly it was unusable.
While I had been a keen follower of offshore racing, I had never been to a circuit race, so I was enthusiastic when John asked me to cover the speedboat meeting at Flat Rock on the Tamaki River. Again this was the start of a long relationship when the first guy I spoke to was Glen Urquhart, who, along with his brother Peter, owned the unlimited SK, Miss Coventry. Glen and I have remained great friends and in 1986 won the world 3D Offshore Championship together in Guernsey, Channel Islands and still regularly meet for lunch.
Epiglass were the major marine paint supplier in New Zealand, and Trevor Geldard ran the company. I had only been with the magazine for a few days when I was introduced to Trevor by John, and over the years, I saw a lot of him, both to discuss articles and because he sponsored the Epiglass 40 offshore race. I think Trevor took a bit of a shine to me, and as a young 20 year old long haired and very skinny reporter, I always enjoyed our meetings together.
I loved visiting Sandy Sands at Seacraft. If I arrived around lunchtime, Sandy would insist I share his sandwich. No argument. That close relationship carried on with his son Lionel, who has helped take Seacraft/Haines Hunter to where it is today.
The names of people I have met and influenced me over the years is too long to list here, but each in their way helped mould my future. People ask me when I am going to retire. Good question, but it is one I can’t answer. I love what I do, and I love the people I work with in the marine industry.
Thank you all for the support you have given me. I certainly will not be around for another 50 years, but I think there are still a few good years left in me before I put down the pen.
