The Maritimo Muster at Waiheke Island delivered a weekend that perfectly captured everything boating should be – effortless, social, and set against one of the most spectacular backdrops in the world. As Maritimo’s Grant Binskin, said, “It was awesome. We had the best weather. And it’s easy to run a great on water event when the conditions are that good – everybody’s going to have a good time naturally.”
From the moment the fleet departed Auckland Harbour on Friday through to the final farewells on Sunday, the event unfolded as a seamless blend of cruising, connection, and celebration.
Friday began in near-perfect conditions. With temperatures hovering around 25 degrees, and barely a breath of wind. The fleet of 20 Maritimo luxury motor yachts gathered at Westhaven Marina, just off Auckland Harbour. “It was exciting to see so many of our boats together.” said Grant.
Under clear skies, the boats made their way out, assembling just beyond the harbour for a series of photos that captured the scale and elegance of the fleet. The line-up itself was a testament to the strength of the Maritimo community in New Zealand. A strong mix of current models and recent builds – most within the past five years – created a striking visual on the water, reinforcing both the brand’s evolution and its loyal following.
From there, the group settled into a relaxed two-hour cruise across the magnificent Hauraki Gulf, toward Man O’ War Bay on Waiheke Island. It was an unhurried journey, blending light cruising with moments of higher speed, allowing owners and their guests to enjoy the experience in their own way.
On arrival, the fleet anchored in the sheltered bay, with each vessel carefully positioned for comfort and views. With tidal conditions creating a unique shoreline, the support from the amphibious Sealegs vessels proved invaluable, allowing every guest to step on board and then ashore so effortlessly. “Having the Sealegs team join us at the event was fantastic,” Grant said. “Our owners really appreciated the unique capability of the Sealegs vessels, running them to and from their boats in shore conditions that would have been very tricky for conventional tenders.”
The official welcome began mid-afternoon at Man O’ War Winery. Owners and guests – more than 70 in total – gathered for a relaxed briefing before moving into a curated wine tasting experience. Set among the vines and overlooking the bay, it was the perfect introduction to the weekend: informal, social, and distinctly New Zealand.
As the afternoon rolled into evening, guests enjoyed canapés and drinks while reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new ones. Each attendee was welcomed with personalised name tags, creating an atmosphere that encouraged conversation and connection. “It was a really great meet and greet and networking event,” Grant shared. “Not just owners, but their friends too – people who were really interested in what we do.”
Saturday brought a shift in pace, offering a balance of exploration and relaxation. While the original plan had included the arrival of the Maritimo 100 from Australia, a change in weather conditions required a rethink. What followed, however, proved to be an unexpected highlight.
A group of guests made their way to nearby Rotoroa Island, a short journey eastward from Waiheke Island. Once home to a Salvation Army rehabilitation centre, the island has been transformed into a conservation sanctuary. Guests were treated to a guided experience, learning about the island’s history, and its future as a protected habitat for native flora and fauna.
Among the highlights was the chance to see the rare Takahē bird – once thought extinct and now carefully reintroduced to select locations. “It was really quite interesting,” Grant said. “A good excuse to get away, stretch the legs and have a look around.”
