From the Bay to Fabric: Celebrating New Zealand's Classic Yachts

Kaleo Designs has released Sail the Bay, a limited-edition men's shirt inspired by three classic New Zealand yachts - July 2026 © Kaleo Designs

Some of New Zealand's most iconic yachts don't just belong on the water—they've now found their way onto fabric.

Bay of Islands clothing brand Kaleo Designs has released Sail the Bay, a limited-edition men's shirt inspired by three classic New Zealand yachts that have become part of our maritime story. Created by Bay of Islands artist Beth Bertenshaw, the design celebrates the timeless elegance of traditional sailing and the enduring connection many Kiwis have with the sea.

Rather than creating a generic nautical print, Beth chose to illustrated three yachts that continue to capture the imagination of sailors today: Rawene, Ngataki, and Ranger. Each vessel carries its own history, and together they represent generations of New Zealand craftsmanship, adventure and life under sail.

For Beth, however, the inspiration runs much deeper than beautiful boats.

"I booked a one-way ticket to New Zealand in hopes for sailing adventures and a better lifestyle," she says.

Originally from the United States, Beth studied Fine Arts before leaving the corporate world behind to follow her passion for sailing. Boats have shaped much of the life she has built in New Zealand—from racing classic yachts on the Waitemata Harbour and working with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, to living aboard a 44-foot Warwick while cruising between Auckland and the Bay of Islands. Now based in Kerikeri, she has returned to painting, drawing inspiration from the boats and coastal landscapes that first brought her here.

Working alongside Kaleo Designs, Beth's original watercolour was carefully transformed into a premium textile print, preserving the character and detail of her artwork while creating something entirely new. The result is Sail the Bay—a shirt that celebrates not only three remarkable yachts, but the stories, craftsmanship and love of sailing that connect them all.

"Our goal has always been to tell New Zealand stories through original art," says Kaleo Designs founder Christine Makaweo. "Sail the Bay is a wonderful example of taking an artist's vision and transforming it into something people can enjoy every day. For anyone who loves sailing or has spent time on New Zealand's waters, these yachts instantly evoke memories of our rich maritime heritage."

Kaleo Designs has released Sail the Bay, a limited-edition men's shirt inspired by three classic New Zealand yachts - July 2026 - photo © Kaleo Designs

Printed on Kaleo's signature lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabric, the shirt has become a favourite with sailors, travellers and anyone who enjoys relaxed coastal living. Like every Kaleo design, it is produced in limited-edition runs and includes the story behind both the artwork and the artist.

Whether you're at the helm, on the foredeck, or enjoying a quiet afternoon in the marina, Sail the Bay celebrates the boats, people and stories that make New Zealand sailing so special.

Every Kaleo piece begins with an original work by a New Zealand artist before being thoughtfully crafted into clothing designed for everyday adventures. Sail the Bay perfectly captures that philosophy—bringing together fine art, New Zealand's sailing heritage and premium coastal style in one distinctive garment.

The Sail the Bay collection is available online at www.kaleo.co.nz and from the Kaleo boutique in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands.

Order yours now:

Website: www.kaleo.co.nz

Location: Kaleo's store is located at 459 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri, 0293, New Zealand, open seven days a week 0930hrs to 1730hrs

Phone: Call us on +64 27 937 4595

Youtube: youtube.com/@KaleoDesignsNZ-hg6wk