It is standing room only at the Mount Maunganui Surf Lifesaving Club were hundreds are gathered to celebrate the life of Mount Maunganui yachtie, Richard Spraggs.
Spraggsy, as he was known by friends, died in Thailand while attempting to prevent a collision with another boat during a storm.
Asrequested by the family, male funeral guests are dressed in loud Hawaiian shirts and beach shorts while the women are in summer dresses.
The ceremony began with Mr Spraggs' adult daughter, Stevie, lighting a remembrance candle for her father.
