Some Final Thoughts From Sir Steve Lapkin

The guys sent me this image from their road tip. You know this image will be used over and over again!

Todays story is going to be more words than pictures. Steve’s words, and Dusters two images say it all, and I am so beyond grateful for sharing all this craziness with us. You have to sit back and think for a second the commitment to all this. The trip is not easy. It’s long and very expensive, and the time and commitment from the folks in New Zealand is also over the top, yes, from down under. UGH. THANKYOU! Here is the copy Steve had written which I saved for last.

Homage to our boating brethren of the 45th Southern Latitude
Words and Imagery by Steve Lapkin

“Prior to departure”: fasten your seatbelts…“50 things New Zealander’s do that you may not understand!” Here’s What it’s all about (“Alfie”.)

Prior to departing the land of kiwis, 3,800 lakes, and a countryside replete with grape fields, souring mountainsides, and charming villages, New Zealand has things they do that are normal to them but not to other countries. New Zealand is at the top of the list when it comes to unusual quirks as you may see here in this finale…this closing visual homage to wonderful on-the-water activities at one of the southernmost GPS spots on the blue planet.

For 24 years, host/organizer Pete Rainey has produced the “New Zealand Antique and Classic Boat Show.” In the previous postings, as you have already seen from Philip (Duster) Andrew’s clicks, HIS clicks, mind you, not mine, his fellow woody boaters are truly incredible, if not matchless, in what they do on-the-water and HOW they do it.

Steve

As one of only three American’s onsite (now my 2nd visit to this annual affair,) it strikes me that this is NOT a boat show but rather a gathering: a jamboree…a bazaar…a celebration…a shindig…a bash, for better words. The Kiwi’s don’t hold back in what they do with their boats. They throw in everything including the dining room table, bathtub, swimming events, a sail regatta, a skiff and rowing shells, a steam engine (or 3)… such that every member of the family, including one-of-a-kind Alfie, is enjoined.

Through my eyes, and lens, I witnessed these unredacted moments.

Nothing is censored or obscured.

Thats the red button, do not press the red button, what ever you do, DO NOT PRESS THE RED BUTTON. Steve, do not do that.. Steve…NOOOOOOOO

Here is the full Monty; the full reveal; the unmasked boating lifestyle at the 45th south latitude on the blue planet.

What Laura and Tim Robinson, and I, got to appreciate is now here for your enlightenment, enjoyment, and wonderment as well. For posterity.

HERE is homage to a wonderful group of boating friends…always. This is MORE than a boat show. It’s a seat at the dining room table with incredible human beings! Kia Ora and Cheers! SL

Enough said!

YOU CAN SEE STEVES PROFESSIONAL WORK HERE!