About Pinnacle Marine
Pinnacle Marine was established in 2014 with a mission to provide unparalleled service.
We work tirelessly to turn our clients' dreams into reality and the results speak for themselves.
In 2020, for example, we took delivery of three luxury yachts in the space of just a few days.
Whether you're a seasoned boat owner or about to purchase your first yacht, we will help in every way possible to enhance your boating pleasure.
Why Choose Us?
Experience / Expertise
Experience is paramount, and we've got decades of it.
Our team includes staff who've spent years working aboard some of the finest yachts afloat and a marine journalist whose reviews have featured in the New Zealand Herald.
Respect
We're known and respected throughout the industry and have contacts around the globe.
This puts us in a unique position when it comes to sourcing used boats for our clients in New Zealand.
Quality
We are New Zealand's exclusive dealer for the Azimut Benetti Group – the world's leading builder of high-end yachts and a benchmark for luxury, style and comfort.
We are also New Zealand's sole distributor for Elan Yachts, an acclaimed European brand whose most recent sailing yacht was designed by Studio FA Porsche.
Our Team
Grant Saunders
Grant is the founder and CEO of Pinnacle Marine.
He is a commercial ocean yacht master, qualified marine medic, marine fire fighter and a marine helicopter safety officer.
He was born in New Zealand and grew up in Hong Kong, where he attended school and developed a keen interest in sailing.
He then moved to Australia and spent 9 years in the automotive industry, working for Porsche, BMW and Ferrari.
Grant then joined the crew of a super yacht and spent several years aboard some of the world's largest and most prestigious yachts.
Next, he joined Asia's largest and most respected yacht dealer.
He worked in their Hong Kong office and managed operations in Thailand, gaining extensive experience in sales, management and brokerage.
Grant is now back to his native New Zealand and since 2014 has helmed Pinnacle Marine.
Mobile: +64 (0) 21 026 51470
David Hawke
Like Grant, David Hawke has a background in the high-end automotive industry, including stints at VW, Audi, Porsche and Range Rover.
Having a passion for boats, he spent several years in marine dealerships specialising in small to mid-sized powerboats, engines and electronics.
David has a comprehensive advertising and marketing background, but his passion remains on the water: surfing, windsurfing, sailing, and now the business end of the boating market.
David is a welcome addition to the team at Pinnacle Marine, Auckland.
Mobile: +64 (0) 22 140 6300
Freddy Foote
Freddy's background in the marine industry dates back almost 20 years.
He has worked with a number of leading boating publications, including a stint as editor of Propeller Magazine / Pacific Powerboat.
He has also run his own marine PR agency for the last ten years, working with leading global marine brands along the way.
If there is a boat brand on the market, chances are Freddy has been on it at some stage in his career.
At Pinnacle Marine, Freddy co-ordinates our online presence, looking after our social media channels, digital marketing, EDMs, PR, as well as helping with our events.
Mobile: +64 (0) 27 496 0260
