auckland boat show

the auckland international boat show had serious dollar signs oozing from every orifice. there were specialists from every boating supply niche imaginable - from gold plated cabin fixtures, to universal antifouling systems. big game fishing chairs, to pristine polished porta-potties. woolen captains hats, to 40 tonne anchor winches and hydraulic davits. and the boats....
millions of dollars worth of boats and accessories were on show.

i particularly liked the old sailing skooners with bronze winches, square sails, intricate rigging, and vanished wooden body work. these old vessels are so elegant and beautiful. the countless hours of elbow grease and ingenuity scream out from every meticulously scrutinised detail.

also, the floating, moveable, outboard powered gangway was a nice touch. this cut off the piers that show boats where docked to -which made it feel a bit more special and elite- whilst retaining functionality of the viaduct for members and public.

i would like to have seen a bit more emphasis put on the boats as apposed to the businesses (not to exclude the corporate aspect but to retain focus on the supposed stars of the show) and some interactive displays would have been a welcome addition too.

all round it was quite an enjoyable experience, and after a day of exploring the cream of aucklands' nautical elite in the scorching heat of the late summer sun, a cold brew in the viaduct was just the ticket.