Boating New Zealand — January 2018

28 Boating New Zealand

locker underneath, a timber-topped wet bar with fridge and a

massive aft deck, enclosed with rails, with a Steelhead Marine

crane to deploy the alloy-hulled AB RIB housed there. Access

to the open flybridge is by a staircase from the cockpit, or via

an internal staircase in the Sky Lounge version.

The GB 60 has walk-around side decks, with handy side

doors for easy access from the dock or a tender. A couple of

steps lead up onto the vast foredeck, which is clean, practical

and uncluttered, and the vessel’s painted composite toe-rails

should be easier than teak to keep looking smart.

Because the owner likes fishing, the cockpit misses out

on the usual lounger across the transom. The cockpit table

is removable and the transom also boasts an oversize live

bait tank, along with a twin-grill electric BBQ. The teak swim

platform is deep as well as wide, while a u-shaped stainless-

steel staple offers security when fishing.

The GB 60 has plenty of storage in the lazarette which, like

the engine room is accessed via hatches in the cockpit sole. In

the aft cabin version of this boat, the master cabin occupies

the lazarette area under the cockpit, which is raised to give

sufficient headroom.

A 30-year friendship between two talented yachtsmen,

including camaraderie and competition, has found

fresh expression.

Mark Richards and Matt Mason (pictured left) are

accomplished sailors, competing in the 1992 and 1995

America’s Cup, match-racing together and against one

another, going head-to-head in the Admiral’s Cup, and

sailing together onboard Wild Oats XI, the famous Australian

SuperMaxi in the prestigious Sydney to Hobart race.

Of the eight times they’ve sailed the Sydney to Hobart

together, Wild Oats XI has claimed line honours four times,

including two race records and two handicap wins.

Based in Auckland, Mason was recently appointed by

Richards, CEO of the group, to represent Grand Banks

Yachts and Palm Beach Motor Yachts.

“With the excitement surrounding the upcoming

America’s Cup and the strong interest in what we’re doing,

what a perfect time to refresh our presence in the North

Island,” says Richards.

“Matty understands yachting of all types, on a level that

most can only dream of, so he’s the man for the job!”

THE KIWI CONNECTION

Matt Mason: [email protected] or +64 2150 7444.