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.”
Back at Man O’ War, the afternoon unfolded at a leisurely pace. Some guests explored, others returned to their boats to swim or relax, and many simply enjoyed the anchorage. A casual barbecue lunch brought everyone together again, with lawn games and open space creating a laid-back, social atmosphere.
The flexibility of the Maritimo Muster was key to its success. “People were welcome to join us, or just enjoy their boat in their own way,” Grant explained. “There was no obligation – it was about making the weekend what they wanted it to be.” Whether that meant joining every activity or simply enjoying time on board, the event catered to all styles of boating.
Saturday evening marked the social peak of the weekend. Guests returned to shore dressed in smart casual attire for a vibrant final dinner. The night began with champagne and canapés before transitioning into a full dining experience featuring exceptional local produce.
Live acoustic music set the tone, creating an atmosphere that was both elegant and relaxed. As the evening unfolded, attention turned to a series of prize giveaways, generously supported by event partners.
Garmin contributed a selection of premium items, including high-end marine watches and Yeti drinkware, with the Garmin Quatix watch drawing particular excitement among guests. Engine partner MTU also added to the prize pool with curated gift hampers, ensuring plenty of memorable moments throughout the evening.
The evening concluded with guests safely transported back to their vessels, capping off a day that balanced energy, elegance, and genuine connection. “A great time was had by everybody,” Grant said simply.
On Sunday morning, guests made the most of the perfect conditions, soaking up the sunshine and relaxed island atmosphere as the final day unfolded. Twenty-two lucky winners of the random draw for the Man O’ War “Forest Flight” zipline took to the skies, soaring high above the island’s landscape before gliding back down to the bay below – an unforgettable highlight to close out the experience. Others chose to take it at a slower pace, enjoying the surroundings, connecting with fellow guests, and making the most of the final moments together. From there, the fleet gradually dispersed, with some returning to home port while others continued on to new cruising destinations, extending their time on the water and carrying the spirit of the weekend into the next leg of their adventure.
Perhaps the most lasting takeaway from the event was the sense of community. Owners exchanged contact details, formed new friendships, and strengthened existing ones. “People really enjoyed meeting other owners,” Grant reflected. “Now if they’re out in the bay and see another Maritimo, they know each other.”
Closing the weekend, Maritimo’s Nick Barry-Cotter shared his reflections, expressing sincere appreciation for the continued support of New Zealand owners. He also spoke about the brand’s future, offering insight into upcoming product developments and reinforcing Maritimo’s ongoing commitment to innovation and customer experience.
It was a fitting end to a weekend defined by connection, quality, and shared passion. “The number of messages received on our WhatsApp Group from happy attendees was certainly a testament to the success of the weekend,” Grant added.
Looking ahead, the momentum continues. Plans are already underway for upcoming Maritimo Musters across Australia, with Moreton Bay in Queensland scheduled for late August, followed by Hamilton Island in September and Sydney Harbour in November.
Each event promises to build on the same winning formula – exceptional locations, immersive experiences, and a community brought together by a love of life on the water. As Grant summed it up, “Everybody’s looking forward to the next one.”
If Waiheke Island is any indication, the future of Maritimo Musters is not only bright – it’s something owners won’t want to miss.
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