The idea to circumnavigate the North Island and spend time exploring Tasman Bay and the Marlborough Sounds on his own launch was a bucket list item for Leigh Hopper. A lifelong boating and fishing enthusiast, Leigh put the word out to friends and family in June 2021 that he and wife Linda planned to set off from their home in Whitianga the following January, for a six week adventure aboard his Maritimo M70 Moon Shadow.