Brin Wilson becomes SeaKeepers partner and helps give Katinka a new lease on life
A jaunty yellow keelboat called Katinka has become the focus of a new partnership for the Brin Wilson team.
Lance Sheppard (SeaKeepers South Pacific), Jan Saul (Brin Wilson Boatbuilders) and Melissa White (SeaKeepers South Pacific) celebrate the new partnersip at Gulf Harbour Marina.
A small sailing yacht that will soon support marine research, education and conservation around New Zealand is getting a new lease on life, thanks in part to Brin Wilson Boatbuilders.
Jan Saull tells the story:
“At the Auckland Boat Show, we were approached by SeaKeepers to see if we would be interested in becoming a sponsor. They shared the story of Katinka, a generously donated vessel that was in desperate need of a refit, and we were keen to get involved.
“To help modernise the boat, we donated a brand-new Flexiteek synthetic teak deck. The deck has now been manufactured and is ready for installation. Before it is laid, we'll be repainting the coachroof to ensure the finish is completed to the highest standard.”
“As part of the refit, we've also given the hull a thorough wet sand and scraped back the waterline, where years of antifouling had built up to a significant thickness. These preparations will help restore Katinka to her former glory and provide a solid foundation for the next stage of the project.”
Jan says that the team is excited to be supporting SeaKeepers through this refit and look forward to a long and rewarding partnership.
SeaKeepers South Pacific is part of the International SeaKeepers Society, a global not-for-profit organisation that works with the boating community to support marine science, conservation and education.
Once complete, Katinka will provide a platform for research projects, citizen science and educational programmes on New Zealand waters.
About Katinka – a boat that will give and give
Katinka is a keelboat generously donated to SeaKeepers South Pacific by Elizabeth Turner, in honour of her late husband Dave Turner. And she will create a lasting legacy that will support ocean conservation and education.
Once recommissioned, the vessel will become an active platform for SeaKeepers' DISCOVERY Programme, supporting both scientific research and marine education initiatives throughout New Zealand.
During this period, Katinka will host science and education activities, demonstrating how privately owned vessels can contribute directly to marine conservation.
The vessel will remain in service until the appropriate time for sale when 100% of the proceeds will remain within the SeaKeepers New Zealand Trust.
These funds will be reinvested into future SeaKeepers programming across New Zealand, helping to expand scientific expeditions, citizen science initiatives, education programmes and community engagement.
The donation represents a sustainable model for supporting long-term conservation, allowing a single vessel to create immediate impact through active programming before generating funding for future projects.
Katinka is the first vessel donation received by SeaKeepers South Pacific, marking an important milestone in growing the organisation's long-term impact in New Zealand.
Melissa White of SeaKeepers South Pacific says that the project highlights the generosity of the Turner family and the support of partners such as Brin Wilson Boatbuilders, whose contribution is helping prepare the vessel for its next chapter.
Checking out the new Fleiteek before installation on Katinka