MACFARLANE TURNS 20

This issue marks my 20th year as a columnist for Boating New Zealand. During the column’s first few years I reviewed more than 130 secondhand New Zealand production boats, most built between 1960 and 1990. With hindsight, this era is now recognised as the golden age of New Zealand production boatbuilding.

In around 2005 I became aware that the knowledge, history and experiences of the designers, boatbuilders and sailors of this golden era was in danger of being lost as the people involved began crossing the final bar.

Since then the column’s focused on recording these people’s life stories to ensure they are not lost. My perennial problem every month has been condensing a book’s worth of material into a magazine article, but as most of these people have avoided the limelight, an accurate article is hopefully better than nothing.

I remain eternally grateful to all those who have allowed me into their lives, trusting me to tell their stories. It’s been a real privilege.

Likewise, nothing appears in print without the help of a great number of people. I thank my past and current editors, especially Lawrence Schäffler, for all their support and encouragement. Eternal thanks to all the talented people behind the scenes who take our raw material and make it look so professional in print. I’d also like to acknowledge my fellow contributors, especially Harold Kidd and the late Len Gilbert, who’ve often assisted with wise words of wisdom.

Lastly, massive thanks to the owners of the magazine, Brett Patterson and Tim Porter, who I’ve now worked with for 20 years. Without them, there would be no Boating New Zealand.