Southland Trailer Yacht Squadron members Mr Milne and his wife Alison had their boat on display at The Rock Southland Boat Show, held at ILT Stadium Southland.
Inspired by a magazine article, Mr Milne tracked down wooden boat designer Iain Oughtred to design his latest vessel.
"We ended up meeting Ian's agent in Australia when we bought the plans for this boat off of him.
"Since then we've met Ian himself three times in various places around the world, where he was a guest celebrity at a few big boating events."
The latest boat is named Kotik - which is Russian for seal pup, or "wee seal" - and Mr and Mrs Milne have worked on it for more than three years.
It is expected to be finished next month. It has cost about $30,000 to build.
Originally an environment health officer, Mr Milne said he knew he wanted to build boats in his retirement.
"I built kayaks over the years. I'm a bit sort of handy, working on houses we've lived in over the years and that. I went to a two-week boat-building course in the US but it's mostly self-taught."
Mrs Milne said she helped work on the boat where she could.
"I generally lend a hand where it's needed. I sewed all the cushions for the cabin," she said.
While the pair loved working on boats, they were ready to get sailing after Kotik was finished.
Boat show logistics co-ordinator Peter Henderson said participants had travelled from as far north as Taupo for the event.
"It's an event that allows Southlanders to access boats from around the country and all the money raised goes back to Southlanders.
"Proceeds from this year are going to be donated to Southland water sports," he said.
The two-day event showcased a variety of boats, worth a minimum total of $8.1 million all up, as well as jet skis, boating accessories and motors.
