Matthew Mason may have lifted the America's Cup four times, sailed around the globe and competed in some of the world's most iconic yacht races, but nothing has made him prouder than watching his son grow up to become a two-time national champion.
For the two of them, it's the love of the sport that keeps them going.
You could say sailing is in William Mason's DNA.
"As soon as I started, I just knew that I loved it and wanted to keep going," he told Newshub.
That comes from his dad, who's done it all, lifting the 'Auld Mug' with Team Oracle USA and Team New Zealand - something 14-year-old Will aspires to.
"I look up to him heaps," he said. "I couldn't think of anything better than following in his footsteps."
Fond memories for Matthew, but his son's achievement are making him even happier.
"Watching your kid sail, and them doing well or just competing for its a very very special time," he told Newshub. "Nothing like it... it's hard to explain."
Will probably didn’t have a choice, when it came to giving sailing a go, but once he started, he never looked back.
"I've just stuck with it my whole life, and it has been something that can clear my mind and just have fun," he said.
In the past two weeks, Will has been crowned national champion in the Starling class and backed it up five days later in the Optimist.
This week, he has been on the water competing for Takapuna Grammar at the national secondary school champs, with a team he says is one for the future.
"We are just trying to build, because we do have a very young team and will be able to have the same team over many years."
With his dad and mentor on board.
"We run our own little programme together, which is really special," said Matthew Mason, who keeps the advice simple.
"Have fun," he said. "The biggest thing as a kid is have fun or you’re probably not going to carry on."
If this is anything to go by, Will's future is on the right tack.
