Establishing Culē Hatches was the latest step of a natural progression in CEO Clive Brown’s life. Never far from the sea, Clive pursued a teenage surfing lifestyle while successfully completing his Fitting and Turning trade accreditation specialising in steel boat building.

After extensive coastal and offshore sailing experiences, he was employed as the specialist titanium engineer for the famed 1987 New Zealand America’s Cup campaign in Perth, Australia. Clive remained with Team New Zealand’s technical engineering division. He sailed in the 1988 America’s Cup challenge and was overall Shore Manager for the 1992 San Diego campaign.

In 1992 Clive returned to New Zealand as CEO and co-owner of Weaver Marine with long-time friend Brian Weaver. This hatch-making business grew to be the leading Southern Hemisphere hatch provider whose products earned an enviable reputation for delivering reliable, durable performance under severe weather conditions.

Customer satisfaction was paramount, and custom-made hatches to meet various requirements became a fabled speciality.

In 2002 the business was sold. Clive continued to oversee the hatch business on behalf of the new owners. However after becoming frustrated with what he saw as a lack of direction and commitment to ongoing development and customer service, he left in 2007. After repeated approaches from local and offshore boatbuilders wanting a better quality hatch, more versatility in approach and direct contact with the manufacturer, Clive and Miriam Brown started Culē. Miriam, Clive’s wife, is the Administration Manager.

Boatbuilders are all quite individualistic and they are very passionate about their creations. They know exactly what they want and they don’t all want the same thing. The Culē team currently deliver variations within the standard hatch theme, and develop highly customised solutions for clients in New Zealand, Australia, South Pacific, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Latin America, South Africa and the USA.

Clive still rides his longboard and goes fishing when ever he can at Mangawhai Heads.