Take 2 – The 2012 Philips Reunion 2012

18 June 2012: Last year Wares reported on a very successful reunion for ex staff of the once market-leading consumer electronics giant, Philips.

Such was the enthusiasm of attendees that a similar event was staged this year, at Sorrento in the Park in Auckland on Saturday 21 April. 125 people renewed acquaintances, swapped memories and told white lies (e.g. “You haven’t changed a bit” and “Of course I remember you”).

One memorable event from back in the day was when Philips sponsored a yacht in the 1985/86 Whitbread Round the World race. This was Philips Innovator and she won the Capetown to Auckland leg in December 1985, carrying all the latest land, sea and satellite communications and navigation equipment.

One of our readers, industry identity Brian Watt, will remember this fondly as he was one of a select few dealers invited to sail on Innovator (below) during a sponsor’s day in Auckland and actually piloted the yacht for some time on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour.

It has to be said that, even with the joy of rediscovering old pals, there was a definite feeling of sadness at this year’s reunion comparing the halcyon days to modern times in which Philips is virtually insignificant in our market. But no-one dwelt on such things – this night was for old friends and fun, of which there were plenty!

See below for a selection of photos. Looking for captions? Hover your cursor over the photos to see who is who!