CRYSTAL-CLEAR PELORUS

This is much to the dismay – and hilarity – of the locals, who mostly belong to the Te Hoiere Seagull Fleet, and who organise races up and back on the same route.

The rules of their event: any boat will do – the more eccentric the better (including a pirate ship made from re-purposed mussel buoys) – but it must be pushed by a British Seagull outboard motor. The races, held every two months and preceded by a ‘skite-yer-boat’ parade down the main street of Havelock, are hotly (and noisily) contested. Although not officially part of the rules, the Te Hoiere Seagull Fleet race boats also all sport bright, home-made flags. And, mostly, ingenious steering and refuelling systems.

One ambition amongst the racers is to be busted by the Havelock port captain for exceeding eight knots in the channel. Hasn’t happened yet.

We chose the quieter option.