RAYGLASS STAFF YARN: OUR FAVOURITE SPOTS IN THE HAURAKI GULF

Rayglass’s staff are all boating mad and there’s constant chatter about weekend trips and fishing spots at our Mt Wellington headquarters. Since summer is coming up, we thought we’d share some of that chat and let you in on a few of our staff’s favourite spots in the Hauraki Gulf.

Smokehouse Bay, Great Barrier: Dave Larsen, CEO

Dave Larsen built his own Rayglass 3500 to explore the water with his family and young children. His favourite spot is Smokehouse Bay – a sheltered little area tucked into the western coast of Great Barrier Island, behind Kaikoura Island.

Usually Dave and the family will meet friends and family who have their own boats where they will all raft up and fire up the barbecue. They chuck the dinghy off the back and entertain all their friends on the boat while the kids swim and explore the nearby area. The Rayglass 3500 is perfect for this, with its huge deck space, roomy barbecue area and seamless indoor outdoor flow.

Dave’s 3500 has plenty room for entertaining and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. 

Rangitoto Lighthouse, Rangitoto: Tony Yurjevic, Service Manager

Tony, our Service Manager, has a Rayglass Legend 620, which was one of the earlier Rayglass models. He’s got some skills on the the tools so he fully refurbished the vessel to look like-new, installing new graphics, a bimini, a stainless steel anchor and new upholstery. Something our service department is very well known for!

When he gets the chance, he loves whipping out to the Rangitoto Lighthouse. Tony asked us not to share his secret but we’re going to anyway – he reckons stray-lining back into the rocks on an incoming tide is a sure way to catch a few decent snapper. Tony’s looking forward to getting out there with family soon, so make sure you give him a wave if you see him!

Bon Accord Harbour, Kawau Island: Scott Little, Sales Director

Scott has owned plenty of boats in the past including a Rayglass Legend 2800 however he now owns a Farr 1220 sailing yacht. He jokes by saying “he is learning to enjoy the journey” spoken like a true sailor! He enjoys heading out to Kawau Island and anchoring up in Bon Accord Harbour – a sheltered inlet on the western side of the island.

He loves the sandy beaches around the islands interior and regularly explores them with his family, but when it’s time to do some serious fishing or diving, he heads out to the ocean side and drops a line.

Sales Director, Scott behind the helm of a Rayglass 3500

Northern Face, Little Barrier Island: Paul Usal, Purchasing & Logistics Manager

Paul owns a Rayglass Legend 2300, he has re-powered it with a brand new VW 260hp diesel sterndrive. He regularly heads out to the northern face of Little Barrier Island when the weather’s fine, where he says he reels in snapper till his arms get tired. He reckons if you drop a burley in the current out there, the fish will swarm.

There’s also a nice spot on the eastern side facing Great Barrier Island where Paul dives. It’s a beautiful scenic dive with lots of crevices, cracks and boulders full of fat crayfish. The island is protected and completely undeveloped – plus you can’t land on it which makes the surrounding area peaceful and quiet, just like the good old days.

Have you ever visited these spots on your boat? Where are your favourite spots? Next time you’re out and about, get involved with the Rayglass boating chat by tagging #therayglassway on social media, or comment below to share your favourite spots with us.