Meet Hayden Paddon, a trailblazing rally driver.

From the moment he first sat behind the wheel, Hayden's journey has been fueled by a relentless passion for speed, precision, and the thrill of the chase. Growing up surrounded by the sport, with his father as his earliest influence, Hayden quickly developed a deep connection to rallying that would shape his future. With idols like Possum Bourne and Colin McRae inspiring him, he set his sights on the global stage, determined to make his mark.

"My journey into boat building started at Alloy Yachts, where I completed my apprenticeship. By the time I was 18, I found myself wanting a boat that simply didn’t exist in the market — one that could meet my exact needs. So, I decided to build it myself. That decision ultimately led to the creation of Makaira Boats."

"What I love most about boat building is the transformation — from raw aluminum sheets arriving at our workshop to a fully realized, high-performance vessel rolling out the door. Every boat we build is crafted entirely in-house, allowing us to maintain complete control over quality and innovation. The process is extensive, covering everything from design and plate cutting to folding, welding, sandblasting, painting, and full fit-out, including the trailers. It’s a rewarding experience to see each boat come together, knowing every detail has been shaped by our team’s hands."

"Having the right gear is essential in our line of work, which is why we rely on brands like KingGee. In our industry, clothing isn't just about comfort — it’s about performance. We need workwear that can handle tough conditions, with durability, flexibility, and well-placed pockets for tools and essentials. KingGee delivers on that, giving us workwear that stands up to the demands of boat building."

"Rallying is a massive team sport. You're only as strong as the weakest link. From the people putting on the tires, fueling the car, to the truck drivers and media, every single person in the team is crucial to reaching the start line."

"I've had many memorable moments, and it's always hard to pick just one. However, it's hard to overlook our victory in the World Championship event in Argentina in 2016. It was one of those moments where everything seemed to slow down and freeze. Winning the stage by 11 seconds and then the rally itself was the culmination of over 20 years of effort. Finally ticking that off the list felt like a huge accomplishment."

"It's important to be proud of the work you're doing. Whether it's the car you're working on, or a part you're engineering or designing, take a moment to step back, appreciate the effort that went into it, and enjoy that moment. This is key to continued success and moving forward."

"At Makaira Boats, science and engineering are at the heart of everything we do. Our designs are backed by naval architecture and precise engineering, ensuring every boat performs at its best. That’s where we see a real synergy with KingGee — they don’t just make workwear, they apply science and innovation to develop fabrics and products that perform under pressure, just like we do with our boats."