On Thursday we were very fortunate to have Chris Sattler present a potted history of seaplanes in the City of Sails and tell us about his company Auckland Seaplanes currently based at Wynyard Quarters. Chris is a fellow overseas and now local Rotarian and has been in New Zealand for 13 years with his family. Over 4 years ago Chris set up Auckland Seaplanes but prior to that it took two years in planning to finally accomplish his dream.
Auckland Seaplanes provide a variety of scenic flights - from the most popular Rangitoto and cityscape to Great Barrier Island and everything in between. The exciting fly and dine excursions to Waiheke and Kawau Islands are a "one of a kind" along with island picnics, fly and stay, and charter options also available. Chris also has a second float and land plane based at Ardmore. If, due to Auckland’s notorious easterly winds the float plane is grounded, this amphibious plane can still provide the service around the Hauraki Gulf.
The Sergeant session was skillfully led by Simon Jones and included an auction to bid for a seaplane flight which with much competition was won by our President Elect, Alan Smith.