There were no bottles of bubbly smashed across the little bows, but Green Party MP Mojo Mathers snipped a ribbon at the launch of two new yachts for local disabled people.
The Kandu and Willdu will enable people to sail who might not be able to learn the ropes on
normal yachts. The two Access 303 adaptive yachts have special features including a hoist and slings for wheelchair users, a wider centre board and a joystick tiller.
Ms Mathers, who is deaf, carried out the honours for Sailability Northland Trust at Whangarei Cruising Club, Parua Bay, on Friday.
Sailability Northland Trustee and Tiaho Trust chief executive Jonny Wilkinson said about 30 people with disabilities will be able use the boats under the guidance of experienced tutors or crew.
After the launch, Ms Mathers addressed an audience at Manaia Health PHO about the challenges of being the country's first profoundly deaf MP.
